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FRENCH'S     STANDARD     DRAMA. 

Z\fz  ^ctiuii  HTJitfon. 
No.  CCIV. 


ASMODEUS; 

OB, 

THE     LITTLE     DEYIL'S     SHARE. 


^  ^rama,  in  €iaa  ^cts. 


ADAPTED    FROM    THE    FISENCH    OF    SCRIBE 

BY     THOMAS    ARCHER,    ESQ., 

Author  of  "The  King's  Ransom,''  "Blood  Royal,"  8(c.,  S(c. 


TO   WHICH   ARK  ADDED 


A  Description  of  the  Costume — Cast  of  the  Characters — Entrances  and  Exits- 

Kelative  Positions  of  the  Performers  on  the  Stage,  and 

the  whole  of  the  Stage  Business. 


AS    PERFORMED    AT    THE 


PRINCIPAL  ENGLISH  AND  AMERICAN  THEATRES. 


NEW     YORK- 
SAMUEL      FRENCH, 

122  Nassau  Street,  (Up  Stairs.") 


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A^     .  ^  SAXkA  BAKRAIU 


Costume . — [Asmodeus.] 


FERDINAND. — Spanish  dress,  scarlet  and  gold,  with  large  red  doak 

— hat  and  plume. 
FRAZ  ANTONIO.— Black  dress,  with  black  cloak,  aud  black  closa 

Geneva  cap  on  his  head. 
GIL  VARGOS. — Dark  shape,  puffed  with  red— Geneva  cap,  like  that 

of  Fraz  Antonio. 
DON  RAFAEL. — Plain  grey  tunic.     Second  dress :  Handsome  scarlet 

shape,  with  breasiplate — hat — feathers — spurs. 
INQUISITORS.— Black  suits. 
LORDS,  &c. — Handsome  Spanish  shapes. 
CARLO. — Green  tunic.     Second  dress :  Very  handsome  tunic  and  cap 

— stripes  of  scarlet  and  gold. 

QUEEN. — Sort  of  riding  habit,  green  and  old.     Second  dress :  Very 

handsome  robe,  &c. 
CASILDA, — Plain  dress.     Second  dress:  Handsome  robe,  &c. 


STAGE     DIRECTIONS. 


L.  nieftns  First  Entrance,  Left.  R.  Fir^t  Etitrance,  Bight.  S.  E.  L. . 
Second  Entrance,  Left.  S.  E.  R.  Second  Entrance,  Right.  U.  E.  L. 
Upper  Entrance,  Left.  U.  E.  R.  Upper  Entrance,  Right.  C.  Centre. 
L.  C.  Left  Centre.  'R.  C.  Right  of  Centre.  T.  E.  L.  Third  Entrance, 
Left.  T.  E.  R.  Third  Entrance,  Right.  C.  D.  Centre  Door.  D.  R. 
Door  Right.  D.  L.  Bow  Left.  U.  D.  L.  Upper  Door,  Left.  U.  D.  R. 
Ujjper  Door,  Right. 

%*  The  reader  is  supposed  to  be  on  the  S'.dge,  facing  the  Audience. 


ASMODEUS. 


ACT     I. 

SCENE  I. — On  the  l.  h.  at  the  back,  a  convent.  In  the  c.  of  stage,  a 
large  chestnvt  tree,  at  the  foot  of  which  is  a  hank.  On  the  l.  u.,  a 
small  tavern,  hearing  the  sign  of  the  "Casiillian  Arms." 

Enter  Rafael  and  Gil  Vargos,  1  e.  b.  h. 

Raf.  So  you  have  just  come  from  mj-  uncle,  the  Duke  D'Estunego. 

Var.  Yes,  my  dear  pupil. 

Baf.  And  he  was  enraged,  you  say 

Var.  Against  you  and  me.  He  dares  to  accuse  me  of  having  given 
you  ideas,  and  all  I  could  say  would  not  do,  although  I  told  him  over 
and  over  again,  that  during  the  ten  years  he  had  confided  you  to  my 
care,  I  had  taught  you  nothing,  absolutely  nothing — that  is,  at  least, 
in  the  way  he  meant ;  and  that,  at  eighteen  years  of  age,  simple  and 
ignorant  of  everything,  you 

Baf.  That's  very  true. 

Var.  "  Then,"  said  he,  "  why,  for  the  last  three  months,  has  he 
taken  such  a  dislike  to  the  monastic  life  for  which  I  intended  himi 
Why  has  the  annual  sum  of  six  hundred  ducats,  which  I  have  allowed 
him,  been  squandered  on  women's  dresses  and  millinery — and  lastly, 
■why  has  he  contracted  debts'?"  I  then,  with  all  the  respect  I  owe  to 
your  noble  family,  swore  that  it  was  not  so. 

Raf.  You  were  wrong  to  swear. 

Var.  Whj%  you  have  got  no  money  1 

Raf.  Not  a  farthing. 

Var.  And  you  are  greatly  in  debt. 

Raf.  Two  hundred  pistoles. 


Var.  I'm  afraid  you  have  kept  very  bad  compar.y, 

Eaf.  Not  at  all ! 

Var.  Then  you  have  been  gambling,  the  ruin  of  all  young  men. 

Raf.  No !  since  you  left  me.  I  have  passed  my  time  in  studying 
theology  from  the  large  folios  that  you  gave  me,  by  the  fathers,  Fan- 
chez  and  Escabor. 

Var.  Good  books— very  good  books. 

Raf.  1  say,  very  bad  books,  for  they  were  so  very  tedious,  that  they 
made  me  think  of  anything  but  their  contents,  and  instead  of  looking 
down  upon  them,  I  found  myself  always  looking  up,  and  just  before 
my  window  was  the  apartment  of  one  of  the  first  milliners  in  the  town, 
and  amongst  the  young  workwomen,  there  was  one,  who 

Var.  Heaven  defend  us  !  a  milliner  !  why,  then,  you  are  in  love. 

Raf.  You  are  right — a  form — oh,  such  a  form — and  then  her  face — • 
that  of  an  angel !  and  I  who  had  been  accustomed  to  sec  none  but 
yours 

Var.  Ah  !  you  looked  at  her 

Raf.  All  day  long !  the  change  was  quite  delicious. 

Var.  And  she  is  the  cause  of  your  having  committed  all  these  follies. 

Raf.  Ah  !  yes — to  be  near  her,  to  speak  to  her,  I  had  but  one  way ; 
and  that  was  to  go  and  buy  gowns,  petticoats,  cloaks,  mantles,  bon- 
nets, caps,  and  thingamies,  you  know,  and  all  these  things  are  expen- 
sive, particularly  when  one  has  no  use  for  them. 

Var.  No  doubt. 

Raf.  I  ordered  something  new  every  day,  and  when  my  uncle's  al- 
lowance was  spent,  I  went  in  debt  to  buy  frills  and  furbelows,  and 
when  my  credit  was  gone,  and  I  could  borrow  no  more,  1  sold  Father 
Fanchez,  and  Father  Escabor  to  buy  laces  and  ribbons. 

Var.  What  you — my  pnpil  1  And  what  have  you  done  with  all 
these  things  1 

Raf.  Oh  !  they  are  in  my  apartment — in  my  study — but  I  have  left 
them,  because  she  whom  I  admire  has  disappeared.  I  see  her  no 
more,  and  I  know  not  what  is  become  of  her. 

Var.  And  what  do  you  intend  to  do  1 

Raf.  I  don't  know ;  however,  I  don't  intend  to  study  theology  again. 
I  am  a  gentleman,  my  father  was  a  gentleman — I  wear  a  sword,  and 
can  fight  my  way  through  the  world,  and  one  day  marry  the  only  wo- 
man I  shall  ever  love. 

Var.  AVhat,  in  opposition  to  your  uncle  1  he'll  disinherit  you,  and 
he's  very  ill  now. 

Raf.  Well !  without  friends,  without  family,  without  a  mistress,  I 
have  but  one  desperate  resource,  and  it  is  not  my  fault  if  I  am  driven 
to  it 

Var.  And  what  is  it  1 

Raf.  [  Looking  round  mysteriously .]  I  had  my  meaning  in  directing 
our  steps  his  way.     Don't  you  know  where  you  arel 

iVar.  Yes,  to  be  sure;  that's  the  convent,  two  miles  from  Madrid — 
and  that's  the  sign  of  the  Castillian  Arms ;  a  tavern  generally  used  as 
a  resting  place  during  the  royal  hunt. 

Raf.  And  this  old  chesnut  tree,  which  is  at  least  tliree  hundred 
Years  old 


^6 


ASMOPEUS. 


Var.  What  that?  the  one  which  is  called  the  sorcerer's  tree  1 

Raf.  Yes,  that's  it ;  and  in  those  books  that  you  gave  me,  and  I 
believe  it  ail,  and  so  do  5-on,  for  you  told  me  they  were  true,  I  read 
that  this  monastery  was  built  to  keep  away  devils  and  sorcerers,  who 
■were  in  tlie  habit  of  assembling  here  at  night. 

Var.  Of  all  that  I  have  taught  him,  he  can  only  remember  this ! 

Raf.  And  that,  notwithstanding  they  still  come  two  or  three  times 
a  year — at  Christmas,  and  at  Midsummer,  and  that  at  twelve  o'clock 
at  night,  under  the  great  chesnut  tree,  by  simply  calling  Asmodeus 
three  times.     You  know  you  told  me  so  ! 

Var.  Oh !  impossible.     Who  would  have  believed  that  you  would 

so  exagsrerate  such  ideas,  as  to but  think  no  more  of  the  nonsense, 

or  you  will  be  taken  for  a  fool,  or  a  madman. 

Raf.  Perhaps  so !  but  since  the  morning,  I  have  been  in  a  fever ; 
■■my  brain  has  been  on  fire,  for  to-day  is  the  feast  of  St.  John,  and  I 
said  to  myself,  if  all  else  fails,  at  sunset  I'll  go  to  the  great  chesnut 
tree. 

Var.  You! 

Raf,  I'll  call  Asmodeus  three  times,  and  if  he  answers  me— — - 

Var.  Pho  !  but  he  won't  answer  you. 

Raf.  Why,  you  infidel — then  you  don't  believe  that  Lucifer  exists  1 

Var.  I  don't  say  that. 

Raf.  Then  he  may  come. 

Var.  Heaven  forbid  that  I  should  hinder  him.  But  I  only  wish  to 
say,  that  before  you  disturb  him,  you  had  better  try  some  other 
means  to 

Raf.  Oh,  if  you  know  any  other  means,  I  have  no  objection.  What 
are  they "? 

Var.  Why  perhaps  we  may  find  a  protector,  without  calling  in  the 
assistance  of  one  so  much  beneath  you.  [Pointing  downwards.]  Now, 
hear  me.  Our  King  Ferdinand  is  attacked  by  melanclioly,  which  at 
times  they  say,  degenerates  into  folly. 

Raf.  Is  it  possible  1 

Var.  This  malady  (which  from  a  particular  circumstance)  I  know 
tnore  about  than  any  body,  has  latterly  been  worse  than  ever.  A 
'  young  girl,  of  whose  death  he  beheves  himself  to  have  been  the  cause, 
her  shade  pursues  him  constantly  and  through  this,  the  Grand  Inquis- 
itor Fra  Antonio,  the  confident  of  his  majesty,  eiijoys  great  power. 
Now  Lam  the  Grand  Inquisitor's  confidant.  1  rendered  him  great 
services  in  several  dangerous  and  delicate  affairs,  for  which  he  has 
promised  he'd  serve  me  in  return,  as  soon  as  we  have  divorced  the 
Queen,  and  sent  her  back  to  Portugal.  In  the  mean  time,  he  shall 
patronize  you — I'll  recommend  you  to  his  notice  as  my  pupil. 

Raf.  Do  you  think  he  will  1 

Var.  I'm  sure  of  it.  This  very  night  there  is  to  be  a  hunt  by  torch- 
light, at  which  all  the  Court  will  assist — for  they  are  at  a  loss  what 
means  to  devise  to  amuse  the  King — and  the  Grand  Inquisitor,  who 
seldom  leaves  his  majesty,  will  not  fail  to  be  amongst  them  ;  therefore, 
follow  me,  and  tell  me  in  what  way  I  can  assist  you. 

Raf.  Where? 


ASMODEUS.  7 

Yar.  Here,  at  the  Castillian  Arms,  where  the  Court  will  rest ;  and 
since  you  had  decided  to  give  yourself  to  the  devil 

Raf.  AVhy,  the  Grand  Inciuisitor  or  the  devil,  it  amounts  to  the  same 
thincr  in  the  end. 

Var.  \At  door  of  Inn.]  Come  !  are  you  coming. 

Raf.  1  follow  you,  my  beloved  tutor.  [Turns  towards  tree.]  Asmo- 
deus,  avaunt!  [Exit  with  Vargos  into  tavern — as  they  enter,  Carlo 
parts  the  branches  of  the  chesnui  tree,  and  looks  out. 

Carlo.  A  very  pretty  sort  of  conversation,  I  have  overheard  from 
my  hiding  place.  This  tree  is  a  favorite  resting-place  of  mine.  I  was 
just  beginiiins  the  prettiest  dream,  when  the  sound  of  their  voices 
awoke  me.  [Comes  down  out  of  the  tree.]  Poor  young  man!  without 
friends — without  assistance — I  pity  him.  I  can  well  understand  his 
situation,  for  it  is  the  same  as  my  own — yet,  no  I  am  happier  than  he 
is,  for  I  have  a  sister,  and  to  live  for  one  another  is  our  greatest  bless- 
ing, whilst  he — but  where  can  my  sister  be  1  I  thought  she  would 
have  been  here  by  this  time.  Oh !  who  have  we  here  1  It's  her !  my 
pretty  dear  little  sister. 

Enter  Casilda,  u.  e.  l.  h. 

Cast.  My  dear  Carlo,  my  good  brother. 

[She  is  going  to  embrace  him. 

Carlo.  First  tell  me,  what  is  the  meaning  of  the  letter  I  received 
from  you,  and  why  did  you  leave  Madrid  "? 

Cast.  Ah  !  now  j'^ou  are  going  to  scold  me. 

Carlo.  No!  perhaps  not.  But  what  am  I  to  do  with  you  nowl 
How  is  a  i)oor  wandering  minstrel,  like  me,  with  his  pretty  sister  ou 
his  arm,  to  go  to  the  convent  of  the  monks  to  sing  or  play  the  organ  1 

and  but  for  the  kindness  of  the  good  Lady  Abbess,  who but  come, 

before  I  explain,  tell  me  what  induced  you  to  leave  the  house  where  I 
bad  placed  you  1 

Casi.  Yes,  at  Madrid,  with  the  Senora  Urrica,  a  celebrated  milliner. 

Carlo.  Ah  !  did  not  a  young  man  often  come  to  your  workroom, 
■who  lived  opposite  to  your  window  1 

Casi.  Why,  who  told  you  sol 

Carlo.  A  student  of  theology  ! 

Casi.  He  was  one  of  our  best  customers  ;  every  day  he  bought  new 
dresses,  mantles,  laces,  and  ribbons. 

Carlo.  It  must  be  the  same.  [Aside. 

Casi.  I  always  look  care  they  should  not  charge  too  much,  for  he 
never  tried  to  get  a  bargain,  and  he  was  so  kind,  and  so  generous. 

Carlo.  Tell  me — did  he  ever  say  he  loved  you  "? 

Casi.  No  !  but  I  am  sure  he  did. 

Carlo.  But  does  he  know  your  name,  or  who  you  are  1 

Casi.  Oh  no,  but  that  was  of  no  consequence — 1  was  very  comfor- 
table, and  very  happy — I  worked  all  day  long  at  my  window. 

Carlo.  At  your  window  1 

Casi.  Yes,  brother,  because  it  looked  on  the  other  side  into  the  gar- 
dens of  the  palace,  and  I  worked  with  my  companions,  singing  the 
boleras  you  taught  me,  but  oftener  the  one  our  dear  mother  used  to 


'  8  ASMODEDS. 

sing  while  rocking  our  cradle.  One  day,  just  as  I  had  finished  sing- 
ing it,  I  saw  two  cavaliers  retire  from  under  the  balcony,  closely  en- 
veloped in  their  mantles.  I  had  observed  them  two  or  three  times  bo- 
fore,  walking  up  and  down  the  street 

Carlo.  It  was  him,  tlien  I 

Casi.  Oh  no — I  should  have  known  him.  They  retired  hastily,  but 
the  next  day,  a  respectable  looking  gentleman  came  and  told  us,  that 
a  great  lady,  who  had  been  spoken  to  about  my  talent  as  a  milliner, 
wished  to  have  a  dress  made  by  me. 

Carlo.  Well,  there  was  nothing  in  that. 

Casi.  No  !  but  he  said  that  the  lady  was  ill,  and  I  must  go  and  take 
her  order  at  her  own  house.  Her  carriage  was  waiting,  and  as  I  hesi- 
tated, the  Seriora  Urrica  insisted,  and  I  was  obliged  to  obey.  I  soon 
found  the  carriage  had  left  the  town ;  but  what  could  I  do  1  my  screams 
or  struggles  would  have  availed  me  nothing.  I  feigned  to  believe  all 
that  was  said  to  me,  and  after  several  hours  travelling,  we  arrived  in 
the  middle  of  the  night  at  a  splendid  mansion,  where  a  gentleman  of 
noble  ai)pearance,  and  still  young,  told  me  with  a  smile  to  be  of  good 
cheer,  for  that  his  lady  could  not  see  me  before  the  morning.  "  Till 
then,"  said  he,  "  this  apartment  is  yours.  Here  is  refreshment — fear 
nothing,  I  must  leave  you  now,"  and  as  he  went  out  he  secured  the 
door. 

Carlo.  My  poor  sister  ! 

Casi.  Ah  !  but  I  did  not  despair — for  I  thought  of  you,  and  our 
dear  mother,  and  as  soon  as  I  was  alone'  I  opened  one  of  the  win- 
dows— it  was  not  very  high,  and  looked  over  immense  aardens.  With 
the  help  of  the  slieets  from  the  bed,  I  soon  reached  the  ground,  ran 
forward,  and  did  not  stop  till  I  came  to  the  wall  which  enclosed  the 
grounds  ;  fortunately  I  discovered  an  opening  where  some  workmen 
had  been  laboring  during  the  day.  As  soon  as  I  had  reached  the 
other  side,  I  walked  on  all  night  without  knowing  from  whence  I  came 
or  where  I  was  going.  At  break  of  day  I  arrived,  worn  out  with  fa- 
tigue, at  a  tavern  a  mile  from  this  place.  It  was  there  I  wrote  to 
you— and  now  I  no  longer  fear  anything,  for  I  am  with  you,  my  dear 
brother. 

Carlo.  You  are  right,  dear  sister — you  must  not  return  to  Madrid. 
The  infamous  woman  to  whom  I  had  confided  you  was  no  doubt  in  the 
plot. 

Casi.  I  knew  it  was  a  fete  to-day. 

Carlo.  Yes,  the  fete  of  St.  John. 

Casi.  Oh  that  you  were  going  to  play  the  organ  at  the  convent ! 

Carlo.  True,  and  I  have  already  spoken  with  the  Lady  Abbess,  who 
after  tlie  ceremony,  has  consented  to  receive  you  as  a  boarder,  on  con- 
dition that  I  play  tlie  organ  there  all  the  year  round  for  nothing. 

Casi.  Dear  brother,  you  are  very  kind  to  me. 

Carlo.  No  sister,  'tis  my  duty  ;  in  that  sacred  place,  you  will  have 
nothing  to  fear  in  future — and  for  the  young  nian  you  mentioned  you 
must  forget  him. 

Casi.  Forget  him,  brother  "? 

Carlo.  Yes !  Besides  you  would  be  deceived  !  I  know  his  noble 
family  have  other  views  for  him. 


y  ASMODEOS.  .   : 

Casi.  And  yet  I  loTed  him  so. 

Carlo.  His  birtli  and  rank  place  him  far  above  one  so  poor  as  you 
sister — come,  good  bye. 

Casi.  And  you,  dear  brother,  shall  I  not  see  you  again  1 

Carlo.  Yes,  certainly !  but  go  now,  dearest.  [They  embrace — Ca- 
SILDA  enters  the  convent. — Carlo  watching  her.'\  Good  bye,  good  bye, 
dear  sister,  f  Wiping  his  eyes.]  Why  I  do  think  I  was  going  to  cry — 
but  I  must  take  heart,  for  1  have  three  miles  to  walk  yet  before  I  shall 
reach  the  monastery  1  am  to  sleep  at  to-night  and  I  have  scarcely  tasted 
anything  since  the  morning — perhaps  I  had  better  get  some  refresh- 
ment at  this  tavern  here,  where  I  shall  see  this  young  man  who  is  so 
desperately  in  love  with  my  sister.  No  that  won't  do,  their  charge 
would  be  too  much  for  a  poor  wandering  minstrel — it  would  cost  me 
at  least  ten  rials,  and  I  have  not  much  more ;  besides,  the  money  be- 
longs to  my  sister,  all  I  get  is  for  her,  therefore  it  would  be  robbing  her. 
Let  me  see,  have  I  got  anything  here  that  will  do  for  sui)iier'?  [Feel- 
ing in  a  2^ouch  which  he  carries  round  his  neck.]  Nothing  but  this 
biscuit — ah  !  well,  never  mind,  that'll  do.  I  must  say,  I  cannot  bear 
to  take  my  meals  alone — alone  did  I  sayl  ah  no,  I  am  never  alone: 
and  my  dear  mother,  too  !  the  remembrance  of  her  is  always  before 
me.  Let  me  see,  where  shall  I  sit  to  eat  my  supper,  and  rest  myself 
before  I  set  forward  1    Ah,  here  on  the  bank — ah  !  that'll  do  very  well. 

[Seats  himself,  begins  eating  his  supper — King  Firdinand  and  Queen 
Isabel  are  seen  advancing  from  the  right  at  the  back  of  the  stage. 

Isa.  Lean  on  me,  my  dear  lord ;  a  few  minutes  walk  in  this  delight- 
ful spot,  mav  perhaps  calm  your  spirits. 

Ferd.  [Sighs.]  Ah! 

Isa.  Our  attendants  will  join  us. 

Ferd.  [Mildly.]  But  now,  I  saw  her  shade  glide  rapidly  amid  these 
trees. 

Isa.  Who  1  what  shade  is  it  that  so  troubles  your  reason  1 

Ferd.  Shade !  what  shade,  hush — hush  !  [Carlo  still  seated  at  the 
foot  of  the  tree,  and  eating  his  supper,  tries  his  guitar.  King  detain- 
tng  the  QvE'Eifi,  who  is  going  towards  Gav.t.0.]  Listen!  [Carlo  with- 
out seeing  them,,  plays  again.]  Ah!  it  is  impossible!  that  air — that 
voice  !  lell  me,  who  is  near  us  "? 

Isa.  It  is  a  little  minstrel  inlaying  on  his  guitar,  as  he  eats  his  sup- 
per under  yonder  tree. 

Ferd.  Tell  him  to  draw  near. 

Isa.  Come  hither,  my  pretty  boy. 

Carlo.  [Starting  -up.]  Hollo!  who  have  we  here  1  what  fine  folks 
to  be  sure  !       [Takes  off  his  cap,  comes  forward,  and  bows  to  them, 

Ferd.  That  air  you  were  playing — where  did  you  learn  it  1 

Carlo.  From  my  mother,  who  used  to  sing  it  me  as  she  lulled  me 
to  rest,  when  an  infant. 

Ferd.  And  who  is  your  mother  1 

Carlo.  Alas  !  she  is  dead,  and  I  am  an  orphan. 

Ferd.  Poor  boy  !  come  nearer — will  you  repeat  that  strain  to  me  1 

Carlo.  Most  willingly.  [Carlo  plays. 


10  ASMODEUS. 

Ferd.  His  soft  melodious  strain  calms  my  senses.  I  could  almost 
^believe  I  heard  her. 

Isa.  \  To  Gkr-lo  who  is  retiring.]  Don't  go  yet  dear  boy  ;  your  min- 
fitrelsy  seems  to  please  my  dear  lord,  and  I  would  willingly  learn 
-from  you  the  way  to  sooth  his  pain. 

Ferd  Yes,  yes;  1  am  better,  much  better — and  to  your  tenderness 
madam,  I  owe 

Isa.  Hush  !  [Pointing  to  Carlo. 

Ferd.  For  you  dear  boy,  speak — ask  of  me  what  you  will 

Carlo.   [Looking  at  him.]  Oh — if  that  is  the  case 

Ferd.  WelH 

Carlo.  All  I  ask  of  you,  is  to  get  yourself  shaved,  and  to  wear  your 
dress  more  tastily  when  you  give  your  arm  to  so  fair  and  gentle  a  lady. 

Isa.  Hush,  boy  !  you  know  not  what  you  say  ! 

Carlo.  Oh !  don't  I  though  1  but  I  do — why,  it  looks  quite  ridic- 
ulous. 

Isa.  Silence ! 

Ferd.  [Looking  at  his  dress.]  He  speaks  truly,  [To  Carlo,]  and  I 
■will  attend  to  your  remonstrance. 

Carlo.  And  take  my  word  for  it,  you  will  do  well  to  do  so.  [As  he 
turns  to  go  out,  sees  several  Lords  of  the  Court,  who  are  standing  re- 
spectfully uncovered  at  a  distance]  Who  are  these  gentlemen,  who 
take  their  hats  off  and  bow  to  us  1  they  are  very  polite.  I  suppose  I 
must  return  the  compliment.  [Bows  to  them.]  Good  evening,  gentle- 
men— how  do  you  do  1 

Ferd.  [  Waving  his  hand  to  them.]  Give  you  good  evening,  gentle- 
men; good  evening.  Fraz  Antonio,  we  shall  not  return  to  Madrid 
with  you,  it  it  our  intention  to  follow  the  chase  in  our  carriage. 

Fraz  Antonio.  [Approaching.]  What,  your  Majesty  1 

Ferd.  Yes!  it  is  long  since  I  felt  so  well. 

Ant.  [Aside.]  I  am  very  sorry  for  it.    It  is  a  bad  sign  for  our  cau.se. 

Ferd.  Notwithstanding,  we  shall  not  be  sorry  to  refresh  ourselves  a 
-short  time  here  at  the  Castillian  Arms.  [Tb^Ae  Queen.]  Will  you  ac- 
-  company  us,  madam  1 

Isa.  I  follow  your  Majesty.  [Fraz  Antonio  and  the  Lords  follow 
„  the  King,  who  enters  the  Tavern.  To  Carlo,  who  is  going.]  A  word 
before  you  go. 

Carlo.  Your  pardon,  but  the  night  is  advancing,  and  I  have  yet  to 
reach  the  monastery,  at  the  convent  of  which  I  am  organist,  and  if  I 
am  too  late,  the  Angelus  would  be  sung  without  music. 

Isa.  What  is  your  name  1 

Carlo.  Carlo  Broschi. 

Isa.  Are  you  a  Spaniard  1 

Carlo.  No,  lady,  a  Neapolitan  ;  although  young,  yet  I  am  the  eld- 
est of  my  mother's  children.  She  is  dead,  and  I  have  a  sister  whom 
I  have  sworn  to  establisli  in  the  world  before  I  think  of  myself 

Isa.  [Smiles.]  Truly,  a  most  manly  resolution. 

Carlo.  No,  madam,  it  i^  my  duty,  and  I  will  perform  it. 

Isa.  Well,  Carlo,  you  are  a  good  lad,  and  deserve  to  prosper. 

Carlo.  My  mother  always  told  me  so,  and  I  will  prove  she  spoke 
truly. 


ASMODEUS.  11 

isa.  And  your  confidence  in  her  shall  not  go  unrewarded.  Listen 
to  me,  Carlo ;  you  accomplished  that  which  no  other  person  has  been 
able  to  achieve — your  minstrelsy  has  given  happiness  and  peace  to 
one  who  is  dearer  to  me  than  life.  You  shall  not  leave  us  again — 
you  shall  go  with  us  to  Madrid. 

Carlo.  No,  lady,  that  is  impossible. 

Isa.  And  why  1 

Carlo.  I  have  engaged  myself  to  play  the  organ  every  day  in  yon- 
der convent,  and  I 

Isa.  What  was  your  reason  for  so  doing  1 

Carlo.  As  payment  for  my  sister's  board  ;  they  have  been  so  kind 
as  to  give  her  a  shelter  from  a  great  lord  in  Madrid,  who  wished  to 
seduce  her. 

Isa.  Ah  !  and  do  you  know  who  he  wasl 

Carlo.  No,  lady  ;  had  I  known,  I  should  have  sought  for  justice. 

Isa.  From  the  King  "? 

Carlo.  Oh,  no  !  for  they  say  he  is  mad,  or  very  near  it.  I  should 
have  addressed  myself  to  the  Queen  who  is  both  kind  and  good — she 
would  have  heard  me — don't  you  think  she  would  1 

Isa.  Better  still — she  hears  you  now. 

Cralo.  How!  what  say  you  1 

Isa.  That  I  am  the  Queen  ! 

Carlo.  [Falling  on  his  knees.]  Oh  pardon,  lady — pardon  ! 

Isa.  Rise,  m)'  good  boy,  rise — and  be  silent  as  regards  our  conver- 
sation. 

Carlo.  I  promise,  madam [Going. 

Isa.  Stay,  Carlo.  What  shall  I  give  you  as  a  reward  for  the  ser- 
vice you  have  rendered  your  king  1 

Carlo.  Oh,  madam — your  kindness  has  left  me  nothing  to  wish  for. 

Isa.  [Taking  from  her  side  a  small  pocket-book.]  In  this  you  will 
find  the  means  to  pleasure  yourself,  and  perhaps  serve  a  friend. 

Carlo.  [Hesitates.]  Oh,  madam 

Isa.  It  will  remind  you  of  your  first  interview  with  the  Queen  of 
Spain.  [Gives  the  book  to  Carlo,  who  kisses  it,  and  places  it  in  his 
breast.  ]  You  shall  go  with  me  to  court,  and  be  my  page.  Do  you  ac- 
cept my  offer  1 

Carlo.  Ah,  madam 

Isa.  Go  now  to  the  Abbess — tell  her  that  I  will  pay  your  sister's 
board  ;  then  return  to  me — you  will  find  me  here.  On  our  retui'n  from 
the  chase,  I  will  tell  you  what  I  expect  of  you. 

Carlo.  Oh,  my  dear  mother — could  you  but  see  me  now  ! 

Isa.  I)o  you  hear  me.  Carlo  1 

Carlo.  Oh,  yes,  madam.     But  I  can  scarce  believe  my  senses. 

Isa.  [Kindly  extending  her  hand  towards  him.]  Go,  then,  dear 
boy — and  return  quickly.  [Carlo  kneels  kisses  her  hand,  rises,  puts 
on  his  cap  very  knowingly,  crosses  his  arms,  and  stt'uts  off  saying. — - 

Carlo.  Hem  !  it  strikes  me  rather  forcibly,  that  the  Broschis  are 
getting  up  in  the  world  [  Exit  into  Convent. 

Enter  Gil  Vargos,  Rafakl,  and  other  Noblemen, 


12  ASMODEUS. 

Var.  There  she  is — that  is  the  Queen.  Take  this  opportunitj'  to 
speak  to  her.  [Both  bow  respectfully. 

Isa.  What  seek  you,  gentlemen  1 

Raf.  A  inomeiit's  audience  of  your  majesty.  [Queen  Isabel  signs 
io  Vargos  to  retire — he  retires  to  the  hack  and  disapears  through  the 
forest.  The  other  Nobles  retire  further,  at  a  sign  from  her.]  Now 
speak — who  are  you  1 

Raf.  Don  Rafael  D'Estunego.  A  gentleman,  madam,  wishing  to 
distiiisuish  himself  in  the  King's  army,  but  who  is  not  rich  enough  to 
get  killed  in  your  Majesty's  service,  having  no  money  to  buy  a  com- 
mission with. 

Isa.  And  yet  wishes  for  one  1 

Raf.  Yes,  madam — that  I  may  fight  for  my  king,  first  as  an  ensign, 
and  then 

Isa.  Well,  sir  1 

[Rafael  gives  her  a  paper  which  he  7ias  in  his  hand. 

Raf.  If  j'our  majesty  will  deign  to  peruse  that  paper,  you  will  find 
that  I  am  not  without  credentials,  or  unworthy  of  your  bounty.  I 
come  recommended  by  an  influential  person — no  less  a  one  than  the 
veneiable  Fraz  Antonio,  Grand  Inquisitor. 

Isa.  [Coldly]  Indeed! 

Raf.   And  there  is  the  proof. 

Isa.  I  was  aware  the  Grand  Inquisitor  disposed  at  will  of  all  places 
at  Court,  but  I  had  yet  to  learn  that  his  reverence  wished  to  appropri- 
ate our  armies  to  his  service.  Don  Estunego,  you  have  nothing  to  hope 
from  me.  Tiiose  who  arc  protected  by  my  enemies  can  scarce  expect 
my  favor.  [Tears  the  paper  and  throws  it  aivay.]  Sir,  we  decline 
your  services.  [ The  sound  of  the  horn  is  heaid  in  the  Forest. 

Enter  Lords  and  Hunters,  as  looking  for  the  Queen — they  all  bow 
on  seeing  her — she  goes  off — they  folloiv,  with  Servants  carrying 
torches.  The  sound  of  the  horn  is  heard  at  a  distance.  The  Stage, 
which  had  been  well  lighted  by  their  torches,  becomes  very  dark. 
Thunder  and  lightening . 

.  Raf.  Aflat  refusal,  and  left  in  the  dark  I  It  was  all  right  till  I 
mentioned  the  Grand  Inquisitor.  But  it  was  not  his  fault.  'Tis  my 
unlucky  fate ;  and  since  neither  heaven  nor  earth  will  have  anything 
to  do  with  me,  why  I  must  e'en  try  the  devil.  I  will  make  him  give 
me  the  honors  and  riches  that  others  refuse  me.  [Looking  round.] 
There's  the  tree.  [Clock  strikes  ten.]  And  there's  the  hour!  Courage, 
courage — no  grumbling  now.  [Going  toivards  the  tree.]  Let  me  see — 
I  must  call  upon  him  three  times.  It's  a  veiy  awful  moment — hem  I 
Asmodeus  !  Asniodeus  !  Asmodeus  !  I  command  you  to  ai)pear  before 
me  !  There — it's  done.  [After  a  short  pause.]  lie  don't  come !  yet  I 
think  I  called  him  three  times.  I'll  call  him  again  Asmodeus!  As- 
modeus! Asmodeus!  [Pause.]  What,  not  yet"?  and  I've  called 
him  six  times.  Won't  you  come  obstinate  devill  rebellious  devil! 
Answer  my  summons,  I  command  you  !  No — he  won't  come.  By  the 
bye,  when  we  call  upon  tho^e  we  wi.-.li  to  serve  us,  we  should  always 
speak  politely — I  shouldn't  wonder  if  devils  don't  expect  the  same 
attention.  [Taki}ig  off  Ins  hat,  and  again  turning  towards  the  tree. 


ASMODEUS.  13 

JBows.]  Si-r — Mr.  Asmodens — will  you  be  so  kind  as  to  oblige  me  with 
a  call  1  'Tis  on  most  particular  business,  and  I  shall  be  most  happy 
to  make  your  acquaintance.  [Anothe)'  pause.]  What,  won't  that  do  1 
No  !  nothing  will  succeed  with  me.  What  an  unlucky  dog  I  must 
be — even  tiie  devil  won't  have  anything  to  do  with  me.  Stay — I'll 
try  the  soothing  system.  [Turns  again  towai'ds  the  tree — speaks 
coaxingli/.]  Asmodeus — Asmodeus — Asmodeus  !  Pretty  devil — inter- 
esting devil !  I  know  you  hear  me — therefore,  pray  you,  sweet,  dear, 
darling,  little  devil  answer. 

Enter  Carlo  at  the  lack,  from  the  convent. 

Carlo.  There — that  business  is  settled.  Now  for  the  Queen.  [Sees 
Rafael.]  Hollo  who  have  we  here  ]  As  I  live,  'tis  my  sister's  lover  ! 

Raf.  I'll  try  him  once  more.     Asmodeus!  Asmodeus!  Asmodeus! 

Garlo.  [Hiding  himself  behind  tree.]  Why  he's  calling  the  devil! 
I  \voi>der  if  he'll  come — ha,  ha,  ha, 

Raf.  What,  still  silent  1 

Carlo.  [Aside.]  Poor  young  man  ! 

Raf.  Still  no  answer  1  Well,  then,  it's  all  up  with  me — for  if  you 
don't  come,  I  swear  by  her  who  is  dearer  to  me  than  life,  that  I  will 
destroy  myself,  unless 

Carlo.  Why  he's  going  to  kill  himself!  Oh,  I  must  prevent  that 

[Speaking  through  the  branches  of  the  tree,  a  la  0.  Smith.]  Who  calls 
Asmodeus  1 

Raf.  [Staggering  back.]  He's  coming! 

Carlo.  [In  the  same  to)te.]  What's  your  business  with  mel 

Raf.  [Still  alarmed.]  This  getting  acquainted  with  the  devil  is 
rather  a  ticklish  atiair,  though  after  all.  Why,  Mr.  Asmodeus,  I  wish 
for  your  x>''otection,  and 

Carlo.  [In  the  same  tone.]  What  form  shall  I  come  in  1  A  hissing 
serpent — or  a  growling  tiger — or — [speaking  in  his  own  voice] — an 
humble  minstrell 

Raf.  The  last,  if  you  please,  sir. 

Carlo.  [Jumps  down  from  tree,  runs  forward,  and  stands  in  atti- 
tude beside  Rafael,  who  does  not  yet  see  him.]  Here  I  am,  master. 

Raf.  Oh,  lor — [Staggering  back,  looking  round,  and  then  down  on 
Caklo.  [Aside.]  Oh,  what  a  little  devil!  You  are  come  at  last.  You 
have  kejjt  me  waiting  long  enough. 

Carlo.  I  came  when  I  heard  you.     AVhat  would  you  1 

Raf.  I  would  have  all  my  wishes  granted. 

Carlo.  [Aside.]  Very  moderate.  And  to  enjoy  such  a  privilege, 
what  would  you  give  me  in  return"? 

Raf.  Whatl  I  give  you — oh — I  have  nothing  to  give. 

Carlo.  Yes — your  soul. 

Raf.  Upon  my  soul,  I  can't.     I  am  a  Spaniard,  and  a  good  Catholic. 

Carlo.  [Aside.]  'Tis  well.  And  yet  I  caimot  serve  you  without  in- 
terest. 

Raf.  Well,  that  is  but  fair.  Servants  should  be  paid — therefore 
whatever  I  may  obtain  through  your  assistance,  we  will  share  be- 
tween us. 


14  ASMODEl'S. 

Carlo.  Pretty  good  bargain  for  you  !  Well,  I  accept  the  terms. 
Then  yon  agree  to 

Raf.  Give  you  half  of  everything  I  get — absolutely  everything. 

Carlo.  [Aside.]  The  coniiiact  is  admirable  ! 

Raf.  Oh,  what  an  accommodating  charming  little  devil!  Now,  then, 
we  are  partners.  [Aside]  Tiie  Devil  and  Company  ! 

Carlo.  Exactly  so — on  one  condition 

Raf.  [Tremhling .]  A  condition  !  what  is  it  1 

Carlo.  [Solemnly.]  You  must  swear  never 

Raf.  Oh,  lord- 

Carlo.  Never  agr  in  to  attempt  your  life. 

Raf.  Oh,  dear — is  that  all  1  I  swear  it  solemnly. 

Carlo.  Now,  then,  speak — what  is  your  wish  1 

Raf.  I  wish  to  be  a  soldier.  I  would  have  a  commission  in  tho 
king's  body  guard. 

Carlo.  You  shall  have  it.  [Talces  out  pocket  hook.]  Your  name 

Raf.  Rafael  D'Estunego. 

Carlo.  [Looking  at  paper.]     Lucky  chance — the  very  thing. 

[  Writes  on  it.] 

Raf.  But  when  shall  I  have  it  1 

Carlo.  [Giving  it.]  N(nv  !  [Business  a  la  Diable, 

Baf.  What  now  1  As  I  live,  an  Ensign's  commission,  filled  up  with 
my  name  !  You  are  the  most  accommodating  little  devil 

Carlo.  Remember  your  oath — you  are  never  to  speak  of  the  com- 
I)act  which  unites  us ;  be  prudent  and  prosperous,  and  if  I  am  satisfied 
with  your  conduct 

Raf.  The  devil  preaching  morality  !  I  should  like  my  tutor  to  hear 
him.  [Noise  of  the  horn  and  chase  without. 

Carlo.  [Aside.]  Ah  !  the  hunters  are  returning,  and  tlie  Queen  will 
be  expecting  me.  Good  bye  for  the  present.  When  next  you  see  me, 
it  will  be  as  [to  Rafael,]  the  Queen's  page,  and  in  the  palace.  Re- 
member, half  of  everything  you  get  is  mine.  [He  goes  to  the  hank, 
takes  the  King's  cloak  which  has  heen  left  there,  and  envelopes  himself 
in  it,  and  crouches  down,  as  Rafael  advances  towards  him,  he  gra- 
dually raises  himself,  extending  the  cloak.]  Whew  ! 

[During  this  husi7icss  ths  sound  of  the  horn  is  heard  gradually  in- 
creasing, and  the  Hunters  enter  and  fall  down  on  each  side. 
Stage  is  dark,  except  from  the  light  of  their  torches. 


END    OF    ACT    I, 


ASMODEUS.  34 


ACT    II. 

SCENE  I. — A  splendid  apartment  in  the  Royal  Palace,  at  Madrid — 
An  archway  in  c,  through  which  is  seen  other  apartments.  Doors 
on  each  side  leading  to  the  private  rooms  of  King  and  Queen. — A 
table  on  each  side,  with  books  inkstand,  ^c.     Chairs,  lamp,  S;c. 

Enter  Isabel  and  Carlo,  dressed  as  a  Court  Page. 

Isa.  Well,  Carlo,  you  have  done  wonders.  I  think  the  King  has 
some  terrible  secret  which  he  keeps  carefuUj'  concealed  from  me,  but 
which  still  disturbs  his  mind.  But,  tell  me.  Carlo,  how  do  you  ac- 
count for  this  wonderful  power  of  yours  1 

Carlo.  Oh,  dear,  madam,  pray  don't  ask  me  !  I  mustn't  tell.  [Aside.] 
For  a  good  reason — because  I  don't  know  myself. 

Isa.  I  can  never  sufficiently  prove  my  gratitude. 

Carlo.  Oh,  don't,  madam,  don't  say  so — have  you  not  raised  me  a 
peasant  boy,  to  be  a  Court  page,  and  taken  me  in  such  favor  than 
none  here  can  understand,  and  are  always  wondering  at — what  could 
I  wish  for  more  1 

Isa.  And  yet  there  is  something  that  would  please  you  better. 
Your  sister,  Carlo. 

Carlo.  Ah  ! 

Isa.  Would  you  not  like  to  see  herl 

Carlo.  Oil  yes,  madam. 

Isa.  Well  then,  as  we  cannot  spare  you  to  go  to  her,  she  shall  come 
to  you. 

Carlo.  Is  it  possible  ? 

Isa.  Yes,  she  shall  live  in  the  palace.  She  shall  be  one  of  my  maids 
of  honor. 

Carlo.  Oh  !  when,  madam  1 

Isa.  To-day,  this  morning— I  have  already  sent  for  her,  and  am 
expecting  her  every  moment,  but  no  one  in  the  palace  must  know  she 
is  your  sister,  for  already  our  nobles  nnirmur  that  you,  a  youth  with- 
out name  or  title,  should  be  allowed  the  entree  of  our  apartments — 
what,  then,  would  their  ladies  say  should  we  admit  a  simple  peasant 
girl,  and  a  milliner,  to  our  especial  favor. 

Carlo.  Oh  !  I  will  never  tell  any  one  that  she  is  my  sister. 

Isa.  She  shall  be  known  as  Donna  Teresa  de  Belmonte,  a  title  I  will 
bestow  upon  her,  and  which  she  shall  for  ever  retain.  The  Queen  of 
Spain,  sir,  can  confer  nobility. 

Carlo.  [Kneels  and  kisses  her  hand.]  Oh  !  madam,  the  devotion  of 
our  lives  can  not  repay  your  goodness. 

Isa.  Rise  Carlo  and  hear  my  instructions.  The  Count  de  Medora, 
the  grand  master  of  our  palace,  who  is  devoted  to  my  serviee,  will 
conduct  her  to  me  by  a  private  entrance.   I  have  ordered  him  to  keep 


16  ASMODBUS. 

her  carefully  concealed  from  observation  ;  you  will  wait  her  arrival 
here,  and  conduct  her  to  my  apartments. 

Carlo.  I  understand  you  madam,  and  it  will  he  the  more  necessary 
to  keep  her  concealed,  as  the  only  j)erson  who  could  recognise  her, 
has  this  moment  arrived  at  the  palace. 

Isa.  Indeed  !  who  is  he  1 

Carlo.  Coimt  Rafael,  my  protege,  the  young  man,  to  whom  three 
months  ago  I  gave  the  commission  your  majesty  presented  to  me. 

Isa.  He  must  have  been  astonished  at  getting  it,  I 

Carlo.  [Aside.]  Yes,  he  was  rather  astonished, 

Isa.  I  had  just  before  refused  him  one. 

Carlo.  [Aside.]  Yes,  but  he  thinks  his  came  from  another  branch 
of  royalty.  I  hear  he  has  conducted  himself  bravely,  and  fought  like 
a  lion  ;  the  dispatches  which  he  brings  to  your  majesty 

Isa.  And  which  are  expected  this  morning 

Carlo.  Proves  that  lie  deserves  reward. 

las.  [Smiling.]  And  that  yon  would  not  be  sorry  to  see  him  rise. 
[Carlo  6ows.]  Well,  we  have  thought  of  that.  [Pointing  to  papers  on 
table  at  left.]  But  you  do  not  ask  anything  for  yourself,  Carlo  ? 

Carlo.  Oil,  madam  !  I  do  not  think  of  myself.  This  young  man,  he 
loves  my  sister — loves  her  truly — and  though  he  may  never  be  my 
brother 

Isa  Silence  !  some  one  comes. 

Enter  Noble. 

Nolle.  Don  Estunego,  Ensign  in  the  King's  body  guard,  wishes  for 
an  audience  of  your  majesty. 

Isa.  Admit  him.  [Noble  bows  and  exits.  Carlo  wheels  an  arm 
chair  forward,  the  Queen  seats  herself,  Carlo  stands  at  her  right. 

Enter  Rafael. 

Raf.  [Kneeling,  presents  his  dispatches,  the  Queen,  taJces  them  from 
him.]  The  general,  madam,  has  sent  me  with  these  dispaches  to  your 
mnjesty.  [Sees  Carlo.]  Asmodeus  as  I  live  !  Ah  !  I  remember,  he 
told  me  I  should  see  him  in  the  palace.  Well,  since  he  is  here,  I'll 
make  use  of  him — it's  no  use  having  a  friend  at  court  if  you  can't. 
Asmodeus  !  Asmodeus  !     get  me  a  captain's  comm.ission. 

[Carlo  nods  and  signs. 

las.  The  general,  sir,  speaks  very  highly  of  you,  and  recommends 
you  stoutly  to  our  favor.  Nevertheless,  I  am  displeased  with  him, 
for  sending  such  important  dispatches  simply  by  an  ensign. 

Kaf.  Oh,  this  won't  do,  Asmodeus — what  are  you  thinking  of  1  you 
must  get  me  a  captain's  commission. 

Isa.  And  to  remedy  the  general's  oversight,  and  as  a  fit  reward  for 
your  bravery,  you  are  now  a  captain  ;  there  is  your  commission. 

Raf.  Oh  !  I  knew  he'd  do  it — now  I  must  have  some  money,  I  can't 
keep  up  the  dignity  of  captain  without.  Asmodeus !  get  me  somo 
money. 

Isa.  And  as  a  further  proof  of  our  regard,  and  that  you  may  not 
be  without  the  fitting  appointments  of  caj)tain,  here  is  an  order  on  our 
treasury,  for  six  hundred  ducats. 


ASMODEUS.  17 

Raf.  Oh,  madam,  I  thank — \Aside^ — Asmodeus  ! 

Isa.  And  now,  good  bve,  captain,  we  wish  you  everj  success. 

\Exits  into  he  ' apartment. 

Raf.  Well,  Asmodeus  certainly  is,  a  clever  little  devil !  Why  I  can 
lianlly  believe  it ;  but  thiee  months  in  the  army  and  a  captain.  Oh  ! 
the  devil's  in  it,  and  the  money,  too.     Well,  now  then,  I'll  be  off. 

[  Going. 

Carlo.  [Coming  forivard.\  I  want  you. 

Raf.   Hey? 

Carlo.  I  want  you. 

Raf.  Nonsense  !  it  can't  be — consider,  it's  only  three  months  yet — 
besides,  there  was  nothing  of  that  sort  in  our  compact.  [Going 

Carlo.  [Preventing  hion.]  I  tell  you,  I  want  you.  [Holding  out  his 
hand.]  My  share  ! 

Raf.  [Astonished.]  What  did  you  say  1 

Carlo.  [Still  in  the  same  attitude.]  My  share — half! 

Raf.  Iley  1  oh,  yes,  I  remember — well  but  you  know 

Carlo.  I  will  have  half,  according  to  our  compact ;  the  captaincy  or 
the  money,  which  ever  you  please. 

Raf.  Well,  he  keeps  his  word  with  me,  and  certainly  is  a  most  gen- 
tlemanly little  devil,  there's  no  denying — so  I  suppose  I  must,  accord- 
ing to  our  articles  of  partnership.  We  can't  divide  the  captain,  so 
there's  the  money. 

Carlo.  Right,  I  am  satisfied — now  I  think  you  had  better  go,  there- 
fore, good  bye,  good  bye,  captain.  [Holds  out  his  hand  to  him  but, 
Rafael  draws  back,  they  shake  hands.     Exit  Carlo. 

Raf.  How  devilish  hot  his  hand  is.  Hollo  1  why  surely — no,  it  can't 
be — why,  yes  it  is — my  old  tutor,  I  declare.  I  wonder  what  he  does 
here  1 

Enter  Vargos,  looking  after  Carlo. 

Var.  I'd  give  something  handsome  to  know  where  that  boy  drop- 
ped from,  he  knows  everything  and  everybody,  and  yet  nobody  knows 
him,  nor  where  he  came  from,  or  who  his  father  was.  I  don't  believe 
he  ever  had  a  father. 

Raf  Vfhy,  Gil  Vargos,  my  respected  tutor  is  that  you  1 

Var.  Ah  !  my  worthy  pupil !     Yes,  it's  me. 

Raf  Who  are  you  looking  after] 

Var.  Did  you  see  that  boy  '] 

Raf  What,  he  that  went  out  of  this  apartment  but  nowl 

Var.  Yes  !  do  you  know  him  1 

Raf.  Oh,  yes,  I  know  him  very  well,  he  is  the  devil  in  disguise. 
But  tell  me  what  office  do  you  hold  here  1 

Var.  Wlio,  me  1  Oh  !  bless  you,  I'm  only  an  usher — I  don't  wish 
to  speak  ill  of  anybody,  but  the  Grand  Inquisitor  doesn't  use  me  well. 

Raf.  No  !  how's  that  1 

Var.  No  !  oh,  bless  you,  no — he  uses  me  very  ill,  very  ill.  It  isn't 
that  I  would  speak  ill  of  anybody,  but  he  does  use  me  shamefully — 
abominably.  Besides,  do  you  know  I  think  he's  not  quite  so  power- 
ful at  court  as  he  was  1 


.18  ASMODEUS. 

Raf.  Nol  then  you  have  lost  your  protector. 

Var.  Yos,  bless  you,  I  give  liim  up ;  but  you  seem  to  havp  found 
friends — you  seem  to  be  getting  on  in  tlie  world  ;  how  do  you  manage 
it  1  you  have  got  jjowerful  protection  I  suppose,  hej'  1 

Raf.  Yes,  ah !  yes,  I  have — my  protector  is  more  powerful  tlian 
Fraz  Antonia,  or  the  Queen  herself.  I've  only  been  in  the  army  three 
months,  and  am  already  a  captain. 

Far. 'No! 

Raf.  Yes,  I  received  my  appointment  this  very  day,  if  you  like  I'll 
introduce  you. 

Var.  Do,  I  shall  be  very  much  obliged  to  you,  for  I  have  made  up 
my  mind  never  to  stick  to  falling  men.  He's  a  falling  man — I  always 
stick  to  rising  men.     Now  you  are  a  rising  man,  I'll  stick  to  you. 

Raf.  But  what  can  be  your  motive  for  leaving  the  Grand  Inquisi- 
tor 1 

Var.  Why,  I'll  tell.  You  know  I  told  you  before,  that  I  was  in  the 
seciet  of  the  King's  illness. 

Raf.  Yes!  well? 

Var.  Well,  then,  his  majesty  fell  in  love  with  a  young  girl.  Well 
then  she  was  to  be  carried  off,  and  taken  to  Aranjuez,  there  to  be 
kept — to  be  carried  off,  you  understand — well,  then,  the  King  said  to 
Fraz  Antonio,  "  Who's  to  do  it?"  and  Fraz  Antonio  says  tome,  "who's 
to  do  it  ?"  so  I  iiaid,  "Aye,  lliere's  the  rub — who's  to  do  if!"  "Well, 
then,  you  must,"  said  the  Grand  Inquisitor,  and  he  promised  me  an 
immense  reward — so  I  did  it.  Well,  the  yoang  girl  didn't  like  her 
prison,  I  suppose,  so  she  jumped  out  of  the  window  and  was  drowned 
in  the  lake;  so  the  King  went  mad.  The  Grand  Inquisitor  washes  his 
hands  of  the  aflair — he  didn't  do  it  and  in  that  case  what  becomes  of 
me,  who  did  do  it  1  Why,  you  see,  if  the  young  girl's  disai)pearance 
and  deatli  should  be  found  out,  why  I  shall  be  given  up — therefore,  I 
say,  the  Grand  Inquisitor  doesn't  use  me  well. 

Raf.  Well  but  what  should  make  you  think  the  affair  will  be  found 
out  I 

Var.  Why,  you  see  for  the  last  three  months  everj'thing  has  gone 
wrong  with  them — in  fact,  the  Devil  seems  to  have  set  his  cloven  foot 
in  the  palace,  and 

Raf.  Oh,  yes — he  has! 

Var.  The  King  seems  cured  of  his  sickness — the  Queen,  who  was 
in  disgrace,  is  more  in  favor  than  ever — the  Grand  Inquisitor  is  not 
admitted  to  their  councils,  and  but  scarcely  obtains  audience  of  their 
majesties,  while  a  beardless  boy — whom  nobody  knows — can  gain  ad- 
mittance into  th«  queen's  apartments  at  all  hours  unannounced,  and 
has  a  most  incomprehensible  influence  over  all. 

Raf.  Oh,  I  dare  say  he  does! 

Var.  But  now  he  was  in  this  very  apartment  tete-a-tete  with  the 
Queen. 

Raf.  Yes.     Oh,  I  believe  it, 

Var.  He  went  out  as  I  came  in. 

Raf.  What,  a  blue  dress — scarlet  and  gold? 

Var.  Yes,  exactly.     Isn't  it  astonishing  *? 


ASMODEtTS.  19 

Raf.  Not  the  least — T  can  explain  it  all. 

Var.  What  do  you  mean  1 

Raf.  Simply  this.  That  he  is  my  protector — or,  rather,  we  are 
partners. 

Var.  Nonsense ! 

Raf.  \In  a  whisper — looking  round.]  He's  the  devil ! 

Var.  Oh,  humbug!  The  devil  he  is. 

Raf.  True,  I  assure  you.  Don't  yu  remember  I  told  you  I'd  call 
upon  the  devil  when  all  else  failed  1   Well,  I  did — and  he  came. 

Var.  Nonsense!  Did  he,  though  1  Watu't  you  frightened  1  Are  you 
sure  he  isn't  aa  impostor  1 

Enter  Carlo /rom  the  hack 

Raf.  Shall  I  convince  you  1 

Var.  I  must  say  I  can't  believe  it. 

Raf.  Wiien  I  first  saw  him  he  appeared  to  me  as  a  peasant  boy — 
but  now  I  found  him  here  splendidly  dressed,  and  in  attendance  on 
the  Queen  as  one  of  her  pages.  He  got  me  my  captain's  commission, 
and  in  the  fight  I  rushed  into  every  danger — balls  flying  about  in 
every  direction — but  I  was  unhurt  you  see.  Of  course  I  knew  that 
he  would  protect  me. 

Carlo.  It  strikes  me  my  protection  will  cost  this  foolish  young  man 
his  life! 

Var.  Ridiculous !  Why  you'll  get  killed  if  you  go  on  in  this  way. 

Raf.  Ah,  that's  what  they  all  said,  but  you  see  I  was  not  even 
wounded,  and  gained  honor  and  reward.  See — here  is  my  captain's 
comtnission— read  it.  [Gives  it  him. 

Var.  Quite  correct,  I  declare.  [Returns  it. 

Raf.  If  you  like  I'll   introduce  j'ou,  and  he  shall  protect  you. 
[Carlo  gets  unperceived  into  the  arm  chair  before  which  they  are 

standing. 

Var.  Oil,  nonsense,  my  dear  boy — he's  bamboozling  you.  He's  an 
impostor — I'm  sure  he  is. 

Raf  I'd  advise  you  to  be  more  particular  in  your  expressions.  I 
shouldn't  wonder  if  he  was  not  far  off  at  this  very  moment. 

Carlo.  [In  attitude  in  the  chair.]  Boo!  [Doth  sends  one  into  07ie 
corner,  and  the  other  to  the  other — Carlo  jumpis  off  the  chair,  and 
goes  menacing  to  Vargos. 

Carlo.  Who's  an  imposterl 

Var.  I  didn't  say  anything — 'twas  he.  Lor  bless  you,  no — I  didn't 
say  anything.  [Crosses  to  l.  u. 

Carlo.  [To  Rafael.]  You  here,  stilll 

Raf.  Yes.     I  want  you  to  do  me  another  favor  before  I  go 

Carlo.  [Aside.]  Indeed!  That  may  not  be  so  easy.  [To him.]  Well, 
what  do  you  want  1 

Raf.  I  want  you  to  get  me  some  money.  I  want  six  thousand 
ducats. 

Carlo.  You  dol    Why  what  can  you  want  with  such  a  suml 

Var.  There,  I  told  you  so  !  He's  got  no  money — he's  nothing  but 
an  impostor ! 


■^20  ASMODE0S. 

Baf.  T  wish  for  it,  that  I  may  travel  over  the  world  in  search  of 
the  lovely  girl  whom  I  have  lost,  and  to  find  her  I  would  run  every 
hazard. 

Carlo.  But  is  there  no  other  way  of  finding  her  without  spending 
so  enormous  a  sum  1 

Rnf.  True — true.  Besides  it  would  he  useless  to  give  myself  so 
much  trouble.  I  had  forgot  you  were  here  to  aid  me,  I  command 
you  to  make  her  appear — now,  this  very  moment — before  me  1 

As  Carlo  is  going  iip  the  stage,  enter  from  the  top  the  Count  Medora, 
conducting  Casilda. 

Carlo.  [Aside.]  Ah  !  my  sister  ! 
[He  turns  away  his  face  to  prevent  Casilda  from  recognising  him, 

Raf.  Ah  !  'tis  she  indeed  !  Casilda,  my  love 

Casi.  Ah  !  the  young  student ! 

Var.  Nonsense,  man  !  that  young  woman's  dead.  She's  been  dead 
these  three  months. 

3Ied.  Back,  sir  !  My  orders  are  to  allow  no  one  to  speak  with  this 
young  lady. 

Raf.  [Aside  to  Gk-Rho.]  Who  is  that  old  man  1 

Carlo.  He  has  great  power  here — you  had  better  obey. 

Raf.  Never !  I  will  speak  to  her,  therefore  I  command  you  to  take 
the  old  gentleman  away. 

Carlo.  No. 

Raf.  No  !  why  not  1 

Carlo.  Because  in  all  services  I  was  to  perform  for  you  I  was  to 
be  an  equal  sharer.     AVhat  should  I  do  with  half  that  old  man. 

Raf.  True,  true.     Well  then,  I'll  speak  to  her  in  spite  of  him. 

[Goes  to  Casilda. 

Med,  Sir,  this  insolence  in  the  Queen's  apartments  is  not  to  be 
borne — I  arrest  you  ! 

Var.  You'd  better  submit,  my  dear  boy — it  will  be  worse  for  you 
if  .you  don't. 

Raf.  Oh,  nonsense  !  Asmodeus  must  protect  me.  By  what  right 
do  you  arrest  me,  sir  1 

Med.  I  am  governor  of  the  palace.  [Calling  off.]  What  ho — a  guard  ! 

Enter  Guard. 

Place  that  young  man  under  arrest  for  three  days. 

Raf.  But,  sir,  I 

3Ied.  For  four  ! 

Raf.  Asmodeus — Asmodeus — this  wont  do 

Med.  For  eight ! 

Var.  Don't,  my  dear  boy — don't.     You  had  better  go. 

Carlo.  [Aside  to  Rafael.]  Besides  eight  days  are  soon  passed 

Raf.  No — not  eight ! 

Carlo.  lie  said  eight. 

Raf.  Yes  ;  but  then  there's  your  share  j^ou  know. 

Carlo.  [Smiling.]  True — I  had  forgot  that. 

Raf.  Ah,  I  thought  you  had. 


ASMODED'S.  21 

IVIed.  Away  with  him  ! 

Kaf.  I  follow  you.  [Exit  with  GtrAiiDS  at  hack. 

Var.  I  must  go  and  look  after  him,  and  sec  wiiat  is  to  be  done  with 
that  little  impostor.  I  know  he's  a  liumbug — I'm  sure  of  it,  and  I'll 
find  it  out !  [Exit  at  back. 

Med.  In  obedience  to  the  Queen's  commands,  I  give  this  young  lady 
to  your  care.     You  will  see  her  safely  conducted  to  her  majesty. 

[Exit  at  hack. 

Carlo.  You  are  agitated,  sister — what  is  the  matter  1 

Casi.  Oh,  no,  brother 

Carlo.  Hush  !  that  name  must  never  be  pronounced  here — you 
must  forget  I  am  your  brother,  if  you  would  remain  here.  It  is  the 
Queen's  command  that  none  should  know  our  relationship.  You  must 
call  me  Count  Broschi. 

Casi.  Yes,  brother — I  mean  Count  Broschi.  [Curtsies. 

Carlo.  Very  well.  Now,  tell  me — was  it  not  the  sight  of  that  young 
man  caused  your  agitation  1 

Casi.  Oh,  no,  bro 1  mean,  Count — I  always  seem  expecting  to 

see  him  ;  but  the  other — the  elderly  one — I  am  sure  he  is  the  same — 

Carlo.  Who  do  you  mean  1 

Casi.  The  same  who  I  told  you  carried  me  to  the  great  house  where 
the  nobleman  was. 

Carlo.  Ah  !     Are  you  sure  he  is  the  same  1 

Casi.  Oh,  yes — quite  sure,  bro — I  mean  Count. 

Carlo.  So  base  an  action  shall  not  go  unpunished  !  Ha — see  here 
is  the  King  coming  this  way  !     Go,  sister — demand  justice  of  him. 

Enter  King  Ferdinand 

Casi.  [Not  looking  at  the  King,  kneels  at  his  feet.]  Justice,  sire- 
justice 

Ferd.  Great  heaven  !  that  voice  again  1     Her  shade  pursues  me  ! 

Casi.  [Running  to  Carlo.]  Oh,  brother — save  me!  save  me! 

Carlo.  Wliat  is  the  matter  ? 

Casi.  That  is  the  gentleman  to  whose  house  I  was  taken. 

Carlo.  Hush — that  is  the  King! 

Casi.  The  King  ! 

Carlo.  Hem  !  It  strikes  me  I  begin  to  see  through  his  majesty's 
sickness.  A  pretty  situation  I've  got  into  here,  truly.  The  King's  re- 
morse is  for  her  supposed  death,  no  doubt.  At  all  hazards,  I  will  re- 
lievo his  mind.  [  Goes  to  the  King,  who  has  fallen  into  an  arm  chair.] 
What  has  thus  disturbed  you  majesty  1 

Ferd.  Carlo,  again  my  malady  returns.  But  now  the  shade  flitted 
across  the  apartment,  and  craved  for  justice. 

Carlo.  Was  it  that  of  a  young  girl  1 

Ferd.  Yes,  yes — I  was  the  cause  of  her  death. 

Carlo.  Your  majesty  is  decieved.  That  young  girl  yet  lives,  and 
'twas  her  you  saw. 

Ferd.  Is  it  possible?     Am  I  so  blessed  1 

Rises,  and  is  going  towards  C A&\Liy .>i,  as  Qpeen  Isabel  enters  from 
her  apartment — he  again  falls  into  the  chair. 


22  ASMODEPg. 

Carlo.  The  Queen,  sire 

Isa.  Ah  !   Carlo  then,  has  discovered  his  secret ! 

Carlo.  So,  so — now  then,  I  am  master  of  his  secret! 

Isa.  [Aside  to  Carlo, J  Carlo. come  to  my  apartments  in  half  an  hour. 
You  know  the  cause  ot  the  King's  despair — 1  would  have  you  tell  it 
me.  [Carlo  hows  to  her. 

Ferd.  [^45i(?e  ^o  Carlo.]  Carlo,  come  to  my  apartment  in  half  an 
hour.     Not  a  word  to  the  Queen,  as  you  expect  my  favor. 

[CarI'O  hows. 

Carlo.  [Aside  to  Casilda.]  On  your  life,  not  a  word  of  this  to  the 
Queen. 

Isa.  [Taking  G xsild A.  by  the  hand  and  going — Aside  iio  Carlo.] 
You  understand  Carlo  '?  [Carlo  bows.  Exit  the  Queen  into  her  apart- 
ments, taking  Casilda  with  her. 

Ferd.  Carlo,  remember — in  half  an  hour, 

Carlo  hoivs.     Exit  the  King  into  his  apartment. 

Carlo.  A  pretty  situation  Tni  in,  truly  !  Now,  Mr.  Asmodeus,  I 
think  your  devilshij)  v/ill  find  some  difficulty  in  getting  out  of  this. 
The  King  is  in  love  with  my  sister,  and  wants  to  make  me  his  confi- 
dant. I've  a  great  mind  to  go  and  tell  the  Queen  everything.  No,  no, 
Carlo,  that  won't  do — for  she  loves  her  husband  dearly,  and  it  would 
break  her  heart  to  know  he  loved  another.  Besides,  to  give  her  so  much 
pain  would  be  an  ungarteful  return  for  her  unbounded  kindness.  No, 
no,  I  will  not  betray  the  King,  or  grieve  my  benefactress.  This  young 
madman,  too,  who  is  now  at  Court — should  he  see  her  again,  there  is 
no  telling  what  might  happen.  If  his  majesty  was  to  discover  he  was 
his  rival,  it  would  certainly  destroy  all  his  prospects.  It  was  fortunate 
liis  being  locked  up  for  eight  days.  Ah!  I  have  it — before  he  can  get 
out,  and  spoil  all,  I'll  give  up  all  my  schemes  or  ambition.  I'll  leave 
the  Court  secretly  this  very  night,  and  take  my  sister  with  me. 

[Going — Rafael  runs  on,  out  of  breath,  from  the  hack. 

Raf.  Here  I  am  ! 

Carlo.  I  thought  you  were  locked  up  for  eight  days  1 

Raf.  Four — four  ! 

Carlo.  [Impatiently.]  Well,  eight,  or  four^t's  not  of  much  conse- 
quence. 

Raf.  Oh,  isn't  it,  though  1  I  should  think  it  was.  If  you  remem- 
ber, when  you  and  I  entered  into  partnership,  there  was  no  agreement 
as  to  who  should  be  locked  up  first. 

Carlo.  AVell 

Raf.  So  after  they  had  locked  me  up,  I  jumped  out  of  the  window. 

Carlo.  And  you  were  not  hurt  1 

Raf.  Oh,  no.  It  was  rather  high,  to  be  sure — about  fifteen  feet — 
but  thinks  I,  there's  no  danger — Asmodeus  must  protect  me. 

Carlo.  [Aside.]  His  firm  reliance  on  my  devilship  will  certainly  be 
the  death  of  him.     But  what  want  you  here  now  % 

Raf.  I  came  to  find  my  beloved  Casilda,  you  little  devil !  I  am  so 
much  obliged  to  you  for  making  her  appear  before  me.  Sha's  the 
same 

Carlo,  Whom  you  used  to  look  at  from  your  windows  1 


ASHODEUS.  23 

Raf.  What !  did  you  know  that  1 

Carlo.  And  for  whose  sake  yon  spent  all  your  money  in  gowns  pet- 
ticoats, caps,  bonnets,  and  thinganiies 

Raf.  Oh,  he  knows  it  all — he  knows  everything ! 

Carlo.  [  Very  seriously.]  Yes  ;  and  it  is  because  I  know  all,  that  I, 
your  protector,  warn  you  to  forget  that  young  girl — to  fly  from  herl 

Raf.  Why  1  what  for  1 

Carlo.  If  you  see  her  again — If  you  speak  to  her — if  her  hand  but 
touches  your's,  every  misfortune  will  befal  you. 

Raf.  Oh  !     Well,  why  should  I  care  1     You  must  protect  me. 

Carlo.  You  will  be  lost  for  ever  ! 

Raf.  But  you'll  find  me  again.     But  why — tell  me  why  1 

Carlo.  Why  !  Since  you  will  not  give  her  up  without,  learn,  thai 
you  who  boasted  of  being  a  good  Catholic  and  a  Spaniard — who  refused 
to  give  me  3'our  soul 

Raf.  Certainly.     I  would  refuse  you  again 

Carlo.  Hear,  then.  She  whom  you  love,  and  to  whom  you  would 
give  yourself — she  is  of  ray  race — she  is  of  my  family 

Raf.  Oh,  horrible! 

Carlo.  In  fact  she  is  my  sister  ! 

Raf.  Your  sister  1     And  she  looked  so  beautiful — so  innocent 

Carlo.  Oh,  that's  nothing.  We  can  change  our  appearance  at  plea- 
sure. You  have  known  her  only  as  a  simple  peasant — the  next  time 
you  see  her  she  may  be  a  beggar  girl,  or  in  splendid  attire,  and  in  at- 
tendance on  the  Queen. 

Raf.  Can  it  be  possible  1 

Carlo.  [Goes  to  arm  chair  on  B.  and  sits  at  table  writing.]  Re- 
member, 1  have  warned  you. 

Enter  from  her  apartments,  Queen  Isabel,  leaning  on  the  arm  oj 
Casilda,  who  is  splendidly  dressed. 

Raf.  There  she  is,  sure  enough — and  in  attendance  on  the  Queen. 
She's  devilish  pretty  ! 

Isa.  I  shall  see  you  again  in  the  evening,  Donna  Theresa. 

Raf.  Donna  Theresa ! 

Isa.  Carlo,  follow  me  instantly. 

Carlo.  Must  I  leave  them  alone"?     But,  madam,  I 

Isa.  I  command  you,  sir,  to  obey.  Donna  Theresa  will  remain  un- 
til our  return.  [Exit  at  back. 

Carlo.  Well  I  suppose  I  must  obey.  [Goes  <o  Casilda.]  Remember 
what  I  told  you.  [(roes  ^  Rafael.]  Remember [Exit  at  back 

Casi.  I  wonder  whether  he'll  speak  to  me ! 

Raf.  She  certainly  is  a  beautiful  devil !  I'd  better  go,  or  I  shall 
never  be  able  to  resist  speaking  to  her. 

Casi.  He's  going !     Perhaps  he  doesn't  know  me. 

Raf.  It  is  no  use — I  give  my-self  up — I  must !  I  can't  help  it,  so 
here  goes  !  Casilda  ! 

Casi.  Sir  !  I  thought  you  had  forgotten  me.  What  has  become  of 
the  flames  you  spoke  of?    Your  burning  vows  are  soon  extinguished. 

Raf.  [Leaving  her.]  There — why  did  she  speak  of  flames  and  burn- 


24  ASMODEPS. 

ing  1  [Looks  at  he}'  again.]  It's  no  use — the  devil  must  have  me,  for 
I  can't  resist  him  in  sucli  a  sliape.  Dear  Casilda,  I  love  you  more 
than  over  ! 

Casi.   Dear  Rafael !  [Giving  him  her  hand  vhich  he  takes. 

Raf.  How  hot  her  hand  is  !     My  beautiful  Casilda 

[Kneeling  at  her  feet  and  kissing  her  hand. 

Enter  the  Km g,  followed  by  Fraz  Antonio,  Gil  Vargos,  Inquisitors, 
Guards,  &c. 
Casi.  The  King  !  we  are  lost ! 

[Exit  info  the  Queen's,  apartments. 
Fcrd.  Let  that  young  man  be  instantly  arrested  !    [He  is  seized. 
Raf.  These  are  the  misfortunes  Asmodeus  warned  me  of!    Well,  he 
must  get  me  out  of  the  scrape. 

Var.  [Aside  to  Rafael.]  Nonsense  my  dear  boy  !  I  told  you  he 
was  nothing  but  an  impostor.     He  is  arrested  himself. 

Enter  Carlo,  from  back,  guarded  hy  two  Inquisitors. 

Carlo.  [Struggling  with  them.]  Why  is  this  violence — and  of  what 
am  I  accused  1 

Var.  You  see  he's  impostor !  Don't  you  feel  frightened'?  You'll 
both  be  burnt ! 

Raf.  [Quite  indifferent.]  Nonsense,  my  dear  boy  !  You'll  see  he'll 
get  out  of  it. 

Carlo.  At  least  tell  me  of  what  I  am  accused. 

Ant.  You  are  accused  of  sorcery,  and  that  young  man  is  your  ac- 
comi)lice.  The  King  alone  can  save  you,  and  he  will  not  dispute  the 
authority  of  the  Inquisition. 

Carlo.  Is  it  possible  your  majesty  can  sanction  this  senseless  folly? 
Will  you  suffer  me  to  be  torn  from  you  in  this  brutal  way,  and  on  so 
ridiculous  an  accusation  1 

Ferd.  No.  I  command  you  to  leave  this  youth  at  liberty.  He  is 
our  especial  favorite,  and  has  the  promise  of  our  protection. 

Ant.  Yet,  sire,  your  order 

Ferd.  Had  no  design  on  this  boy,  I  will  be  obeyed.  For  the  other, 
let  him  be  instantly  conveyed  to  the  Inquisition. 

Raf.  Partner!     Partner!   This  won't  do.   You  must  protect  me  I 

Carlo.  [Aside]  At  least  I'll  try  !  [Aloud.]  Of  what  is  he  accused  1 

Ant.  Of  sorcery. 

Carlo.  [Aside  to  the  King.]  Your  majesty,  that  young  man  must 
be  saved  ! 

Ferd.  Must !  Impossible !  He  has  dared  to  offer  insult  to  innocence 
and  virtue — here,  in  this  very  apartment.  I  found  him  on  his  knees 
to  that  young  girl. 

Carlo.  [Aside.]  Then,  I  fear  me  he  is  lost  indeed  ! 

Ant.  Away  with  him  ! 

Carlo.  Ah,  I  liave  it!  Now  for  a  lie  to  save  him  !  Your  majesty 
must  save  tliat  young  man.  He  is  the  husband  of  that  girl,  and  if  he 
dies  you  will  lose  her,  for  she  loves  her  husband,  and  will  hate  you 
for  destroying  him. 


ASMODEUS. 


25 


Ferd.  Tiue,  true — and  tliat  rrnisfc  not  be.  Don  Rafael,  you  are  free 
Tliis  noble  youth  liiis  [iioveil  to  us  tlie  injustice  of  tlie  accusation. 

Raf.  [Capering  ahuut]   1  knew  lie'd  <io  it — I  knew  be'd  do  it! 

Ferd.  And,  as  a  reward  for  your  unjust  detention,  you  are  now  col- 
onel of  your  reaiment. 

Raf.  [Kneels,  and  lasses  the  King's  hand.]  Oh,  your  luajesty  how 
shall  I  express  my  oratitude  to — [Aside.] — Asniodeus  ! 

Var.  He  must  certainly  be  the  devil !  But  I'm  determined  to  find 
it  out.  [Exit  unobserved. 

Ferd.  You  may  retire,  sirs — we  would  be  alone.  [They  all  exit.] 
Carlo,  lemember— be  faithful — be  secret.     Follow  me  to  my  cliamber. 

[Krit. 

Carlo.  [To  Rafael.]  Anything  else  I  can  do  for  youl 

Raf.  Thank  ye,  no — not  just  now. 

Carlo.  [Aside.]  Certainly  there  is  no  denying  1  am  a  clever  little 
devil.  [Exit. 

Re-enter  Gil-Vargos,  irith  a  pistol  in  his  hand. 

Raf.  Well,  what  do  you  think  of  him  now,  ehl 

Var.  Why  I  must  confess  it  rather  sta2;sPi"s  me.  But  bless  you, 
no — it  can't  be.  lie's  an  impostf)r — I  know  he  is.  [Examining  his 
pistol.]  And  I'm  determined  to  find  him  out. 

Raf.  Why,  what  have  you  got  their"?  What  are  you  going  to  do 
with  that"? 

Var.  [Loolcing  cavtiovsly  around.]  Why,  you  see — I  know  he's  a 
humbu2— I'm  sure  he's  an  impostor.  I've  made  up  my  mind  to  find 
it  out,  and  I'll  shoot  him  ! 

Raf.  You're  wasting  your  time.     You  can't  hurt  him,  I  tell  you. 

Var.  I  don't  care — I'll  try. 

Enter  Attendant. 

Attend.  Gil  Vargos,  his  highness,  the  Grand  Inquisitor,  desires 
you'll  instantly  wait  on  him  in  his  jn'ivate  apartment. 

[Attenda.nt  is  going. 

Var.  I  beg  your  jiardon,  I  hope  I  don't  tresj^ass  on  your  valuable 
Lime,  but  may  I  beg  you  will  tell  his  highness,  I'll  wait  upon  him  in  a 
pig's  whisper.  [Exit  Attendant. 

Carlo  enters  at  hack  unperceived. 

Raf  Why,  my  respected  tutor,  you  are  a  complete  slave  to  the 
Grand  Inquisitor. 

Var.  Yes,  you're  riaht,  you're  right — but  I  mean  to  got  out  of  it 
after  to-niiiht — important  dispatches  from  the  court  of  Turin  will  ar- 
rive to-nirrht,  in  which  my  name  will  be  implicated  as  an  accomplice, 
to  repudiate  the  Queen — I  inten<l  to  destroy  them,  and  then,  I  can 
defy  Fraz  Antonio — but  I  must  go  now. 

[Cailo.  [At  the  hack.]   1  must  have  that  dispatch  somehow. 

[Retires, 

Raf.  And  I  will  try  once  more  to  see  that  lovely  girl  before  I  leave 


26  ASMODEUS. 

the  palace,  for  I  am  determined  (o  marry  lier!  Adieu,  adieu.    Exit. 

Var.  Well,  I'll  just  leave  this  pistol  here  til!  I  relurn.     1  know  he's 
an  impostor.     Besides,  If  he  is  the  devil,  I  can't  hurt  him.     It's  loaded 
up  to  the  muzzle — there's  a  bullet,  I'll  just  put  that  in  it. 
\Puts  the  bullet  in  2^isiol,j->laces  it  on  left  table,  looks  cautiously  rouvd, 

exit. 
Enter  Grand  Inquisitor  Fraz  Antonio, /rom  left  side  entrance,  and 
Carlo  at  back. 

Ant.  Every  hour  my  power  diminishes;  all  seem  to  desert  my 
cause;  could  I  but  succeed  in  poisoning  the  mind  of  the  King — could 
I  but  ]iersiiade  him  the  Queen  was  leagued  against  him,  she  would 
then  be  removed,  and  I  regain  the  control  I  once  possessed  over  the 
ft^eble  mind  of  Ferdinand.  Ever  since  that  unknown  little  urchin  has 
Inoen  in  the  palace,  all  seems  to  be  well  again.  I  must  get  rid  of  him 
secretly.  Gil  Vargos,  too,  he  seeius  but  lukewarm  in  the  cause. 
Well,  no  matter,  once  I  have  the  dispatch  that  will  arrive  this  evening, 
he,  also,  shall  be  disposed  of.  I  will  keep  faith  with  the  court  of 
Turin,  and  reign  as  viceroy  over  Spain.  [Goes  to  table  on  R.  h.,  sits  in 
arm  chair,  takes  out  papers.  Here  is  an  order  for  the  arrest  of  Gil 
Vargos,  and  here  is  another  for  his  execution.  I'll  place  them  here  in 
this  drawer,  where  none  will  dare  to  remove  them.  Now,  then,  for 
the  King.  [Exit  r.  h.  side  entrance. 

Carlo.  [Coming  forward.]  What  an  amiable  creature  !  It  shall  bo 
my  task  to  try  and  i>revent  his  schemes  succeeding.  [Takes  out  pa- 
pers from  drawer.]  The  Queen  is  right — he  is  indeed  her  foe.  Could 
I  but  obtain  \)\-ooi  of  his  treachery,  all  might  be  well.  That  dispatch 
I  must  have — and  I  must  see  the  Queen  instantly.  [Goes  to  table  r. 
H. — sits  in  arm  chair,  and  writes.]  Yes,  this  will  inform  her  I  have 
im))i)rtant  and  serious  business  to  communicate.  There's  no  ink — 
jierhaps  there's  some  on  the  other  table.  [  Goes  to  table  l.  u. — sees  pis- 
tol, takes  it  up.]  Hollo!  what  have  we  here's  a  pistol!  how  came  it 
here.  I  wonder  if  it's  loaded  ■?  [Tries  it.]  Uj)  to  the  muzzle,  I  de- 
clare. [Drau's  out  bullet]  There's  some  mystery  here — but  I'll  take 
■  care  there  shall  be  no  mischief  [Puts  bullet  in  vest.]  This  I'll  keep. 
Oh  !  here's  the  ink. 

[Takes  vj)  inkstand — goes  to  other  table  and  writes. 

Enter  Vargos. 

Ah !  Gil  Vargos !  I  besin  to  suspect — I'll  watch  him  closely. 

Var.  [Advancing  on  tiptoe.]  Ah  !  there  he  is — I  know  he's  an  im- 
postor— so  now  I'll  try  the  experiment. 

[Goes  to  table,  and  takes  np  pistol. 

Carlo,  lie's  got  the  pistol.     Oh,  oh  !  I  was  right !   Let  him  try. 

Var.  I'll  try — but  somehow  I  feel  rather  cpieer.  If  he's  the  devil, 
it  can't  hurt  him.  I  wish  it  woidd  so  off  of  itself— but  I'm  determined 
to  try,  so  here  goes.  [Fires — Carlo  starts  vp  in  attitude — laughs.] 
Didn't  it  hurt  you? 

Carlo.  No !  on  the  contrary,  it  was  rather  agreeable  ! 

Var.  I'm  satisfied — he's  the  devil  sure  enough !  I  suppose  I'd  bet- 
ter go  down  on  my  knees. 


ASMODECS.  27 

Carlo.  The  ball  you  see  passed  just  through  hex e— [Pointing  to 
his  back,  and  then  phtting  his  hand  in  his  vest,  draws  out  the  bullet, 
drojjs  it  on  the  floor] — aiul  came  out  tliere.  Ila,  ha,  ha  !  Fool !  you 
cannot  hurt  me.  [^4  Page  appears  at  back,  Carlo  beckons  him  for- 
ward. In  a  half  whis2:>er.]  Give  tliis  letter  to  the  Queen  instantly. 
[Exit  Paok.     Vargos  is  stealing  off.]  I  want  you. 

Var.  Iley  1  if  you  liave  no  objection — I  have  got  a  little  business, 
and ■ 

Carlo.  I  want  you  !  [Stamps  his  foot.]  Come  nearer,  [Stamps  his 
foot  again.]  Nearer,  I  say  ! 

[Vargos  draivs  near,  and  falls  on  his  knees. 

Var.  I  suppose  it's  all  up  with  me.  What  must  I  do  1  I'll  do  any- 
thing you  bid  me,  if  you'll  only  forgive,     I'll  be  your  slave  ! 

Carlo.  'Tis  well !     Do  you  know  what  will  happen  to  you  to-night  1 

Var.  Haven't  tlie  least  idea  in  life. 

Carlo.  You'll  be  arrested,  and  then  hanged ! 

Var.  Nonsense — drop  it ! 

Carlo.  You'll  be  dropped  !  I'll  come  and  see  you  hung  !  I'm  fond 
of  pleasure  ! 

Var.  Pleasure,  you  call  it !  I'll  sell  myself  to  you,  if  you'll  save  me  ! 
You  shall  have  me  at  a  bargain. 

Carlo.   I  will  on  one  condition. 

Var.  Name  it. 

Carlo.  Give  me  the  dispatch,  j'ou  received  just  now. 

Var.  I  would  but  I  haven't  received  it  yet. 

Carlo.  [Stamps  his  foot.]  Slave! 

Var.  Well,  I  suppose  it's  no  use — he  knows  everything  [Gives  it 
him]  There  it  is. 

Carlo.  'Tis  well — [Aside.] — I  have  it,  and  now  if  the  Queen  but 
grants  the  interview  I  have  so  earnestly  requested,  all  will  be  well. 

Var.  Now  what  will  you  give  me  in  return  1 

Carlo.  My  protection,  and  safety  from  the  Grand  Inquisitor,  Fraz 
Antonio. 

Var.  Well,  he  does  keep  his  word.  He  is  a  gentlemanly  little  devil 
there's  no  denying. 

Enter  Queex  Isabel />-om  back. 

Isa.  [To  Vargos.]  We  would  be  alone,  sir. 

[Vargos  bows  to  the  Queen,  exits  through  the  hack. 

Carlo.  Oh  !  madam,  I  am  so  glad  you  are  come. 

Isa.  What  would  you,  Carlo  1  I  came  instantly  I  received  your 
summons.  You  would  see  me,  you  say,  on  matters  concerning  my  fu- 
ture welfare  and  happiness.     You  would  speak  of  the  King,  then  1 

Carlo.  Yes  madam; 

Isa.  The  secret,  Carlo — why  not  have  confided  it  to  me  before '? 
Why  not  tell  me  the  carse  of  all  his  secret  srief  1 

Carlo.  'Tis  not  of  tliat  I  would  speak.  Besides,  I  am  not  yet  in  pos- 
session of  tlie  facts.  I  beg  of  yoiu-  majesty,  not  to  press  me  on  that 
point.  Should  I  succeed  in  frustrating  your  enemies,  you  shall  know 
all.     Thus  much,  I  am  at  liberty  to  tell  you — your  enemies,  arc  in 


28  ASMODEPS. 

leagne  with  fclie  court  of  Turin,  to  separate  yon  from  the  King,  and  then 
ensage  hnn  to  form  an  alliance  with  a  Princess  of  Sardinia. 

Isa.  Can  it  be  possible  1  are  j'on  sure  of  this,  Carlo  ? 

Carlo.  More,  madam!  I  have  proof  that  Fraz  Antonio,  is  in  secret 
correspondence  with  that  court  and  that  through  one  Gil  Varsos,  an 
usjier  in  the  palace,  he  will  this  night  receive  dispatches  which  will 
prove  his  treachery.  ' 

/set.  Oh  !  con  1(1  you  but  obtain  for  me  such  a  proof. 

Carlo.  I  will,  madam — I  swear  it ! 

Isa.  Dear  boy,  you  are  indeed  a  faithful  servant.  Ask  of  mo  what 
jou  will — I  will  refuse  you  notliinir 

Carlo.  For  once,  I  will  take  your  majesty  at  your  word.  This  very 
hour,  let  my  sister  be  secretly  married  to  Don  Itafael  D'Estunego. 

Isa.  What  means  this  contradiction.  Carlo  7  but  two  hours  since 
j'ou  were  most  earnest  in  your  wish  to  liave  them  separated. 

Carlo.  I  cannot  explain,  madam — but  trust  to  me  :  'tis  not  ff)r  my- 
self I  make  this  request,  nor  for  them,  so  much  as  for  the  happiness 
of  your  majesty. 

ha.  How  1  I  cannot  understand 

Carlo.  It  is  absolutely  necessary  to  the  plan  we  are  speaking  of. 
One  word  from  your  majesty  to  his  imcle,  will  reconcile  him  to  the 
match. 

Isa.  Without  doubt — but  within  the  hour,  I  have  learnt  that  the 
Duke  D'Estunego,  his  uncle,  who  has  been  long  ill,  died  but  now,  leav- 
ing his  hephew,  whom  he  had  not  lime  to  disinherit,  a  fortune  of  six 
hundred  thousand  ducats.  How  then,  should  I  be  justified  in  engag- 
ing so  rich  a  gentleman  to  so  poor  a  lady 

Carlo.  And  yet  it  must  be,  madam.  Ask  me  not  why,  but  rely  on 
my  fidelity,  there  is  no  other  way  to  save  your  maji^sty.  Should 
the  King  even  speak  to  your  majesty  of  this  union,  you  must  say  you 
knew  of  it  three  months  ago. 

Isa.  11  . 

Carlo.  You  must  do  more,  you  must  say  you  saw  the  contract  sign- 
ed, and  even  honored  the  ceremony  with  your  presence,  at  Notre 
Dame  des  Blois. 

Isa.  But,  Carlo,  why  all  this  mystery  1 

Carlo.  Trust  to  me,  my  benefactress.  The  time  is  not  far  off  when 
all  shall  be  explained. 

Isa.  I  will  trust  you,  Carlo.  I  believe  you  are  grateful  to  your 
Queen,  and  that  you  would  do  everything  to  serve  her.  Hush — some 
one  comes  ! 

Carlo.  How  unfortunate  !     When  shall  I  see  your  majesty  1 

Isa.  In  half  an  hour,  come  to  my  apartment.  All  shall  be  ready  as 
you  wish.  [Exit  into  apartmeuts. 

Carlo.  Now,  then,  if  I  can  but  get  them  married. 

[He  sits  ill  chair  by  table  at  R. 

Ejiter  Gil  Vargos,  and  Rafael. 

Raf.  Why,  Vargos,  yours  is  a  much  worse  bargain  than  mine. 
Var.  Yes.     I've  brought  my  pigs  to  a  pretty  market,  haven't  11 


ASMODEUS.  29 

Carlo.  T  wish  I  could  get  rid  of  tliat  old  fellow  for  half  an  hour  ! 

Raf.  Ah,  Asniodcus — is  that,  you?     Tiiat's  fortunate! 

Var.  I  say,  my  boy — _just  keey  on  that  side,  will  you  1 

Carlo.   Wiiat  would  you  now.? 

Raf.  I  want  some  money. 

Carlo.  A  very  fashionable  complaint  just  now.  How  much  would 
content  you  1 

Raf.  Why  while  we  are  about  it,  you  may  as  well  let  me  have  a 
goofl  round  sum. 

Var.  That's  riiiht,  my  boy — get  as  much  as  you  can,  then  you  can 
obliue  me  with  chanse. 

Carlo.  Tired  of  being  a  poor  man,  you  would  be  a  rich  one  I 
suppose  ? 

Raf.  Well,  yes — .just  as  you  please. 

Carlo.  There,  it's  done — have  your  wish  !  [Business  a  la  Diahle. 

Raf.  Iley  !  what,  is  it  done  1 

Var.  Well,  I  don't  see  any  change,  do}'ou'? 

Raf.  Well,  I  can't  say  I  do. 

Var.  Feel  in  your  pockets.  [Rafael  feels  in.  his  pockets.] — Well, 
liave  you  got  any  1 

Raf  No.     Partner,  what's  the  meaning  of  this  1 

Carlo.  Your  uncle  is  dead,  and  has  left  you  his  sole  heir. 

Raf.  Is  that  a  fact  1 

Carlo.  I  never  deceive  yon. 

Var.  No,  no — he  never  does.  I  must  own  he  is  a  most  gentlemanly 
devil. 

Raf  True— true  ! 

Var.  Then  you  are  now  worth  six  hundred  thousand  ducats. 

Carlo.  Three — three  hundred  thousand. 

Var.  I  beg  your  i)ardon.  I'm  the  last  man  in  the  world  to  contra- 
dict, but  I  happen  to  know  the  amount  of  the  duke's  rent-roll,  there- 
fore I  can  speak  with  certainty.  I  assure  you  it  is  six  hundred 
thousand. 

Garlo.  I  say  three. 

Raf.  Are  you  not  mistaken,  Asmodeus  1  My  uncle  was  always  ac- 
counted worth  six  hundred  thousand  ducats. 

Carlo.  I  do  not  deny  that. 

Raf.  Well,  but 

Carlo.  My  share ! 

Var.  Well,  if  he  is  a  devil,  he's  a  devil  of  a  usurer  i 

Raf.     Well,  that  is  but  fair. 

Var.  [Aside.]  Nonsense,  my  dear  boy — no  such  thing  !  Why  you 
don't  mean  to  be  such  a  fool  1 

Carlo.  [Overhearing  hiyn.]  Silence  slave  ! 

Var.  I'm  dumb  ! 

Raf.  There  you  see — it's  no  use  !  He  knows  everything.  You  can't 
deceive  him. 

Carlo.  Anything  else  I  cm  do  for  you  1 

Raf.  Yes,  there  is — and  I  may  as  well  mention  it  at  once.  You 
know  that  bewitching  little  devil — I  mean  your  sister,  Asmodeus. 


30  ASMODEUS. 

Carlo.  Well  1 

Raf.  I've  made  up  my  mind  to  marry. 

Var.  Nonsense,  my  dear  boy  !  You  wouldn't  go  to  marry  a  she- 
devil  1     You  can't  be  serious  ! 

Raf.  But  1  am  though — and  I  wish  to  marry  her  immediately. 

Carlo.  \Aside.'\  Ah     [yo  Rafael.]  You  do? 

Raf.  Yes.  I  don't  care  whether  slie's  an  angel  or  a  devil.  She's 
devilish  pretty,  and  I  will  have  her  ! 

Var.  Well,  it  will  only  be  a  Lucifer  match  ! 

Carlo.  You  have  made  up  your  mind 

Raf.  Yes — I'm  determined  ! 

Var.  Don't,  my  dear  boy  !  Consider — there  may  be  a  lot  of  little 
Lucifers — a  whole  box  full ! 

Carlo.  [Business  a  la  Viable.]  You  are  married  ! 

Raf.  How  do  you  mean  1 

Carlo.   'Tis  done  ! 

Raf.  Oh,  it's  done — and  I'm  married  ! 

Var.  What,  didn't  you  know  you  was  married  1 

Raf.  'Pon  my  soul,  no! 

A  Servant  announces  the  King,  u-ho  enters,  attended. 

Ferd.  Sir,  we  congratulate  j'ou  on  your  marriage,  of  which  we 
heard  but  to-day. 

Raf.  I  thank  your  majesty.  But  may  I  take  the  liberty  of  inqul-- 
ing  from  wliom  3-ou  heard  of  it  ? 

Ferd.  Certainly.     From  Carlo,  there 

Raf.  Oh,  from' Carlo! 

Carlo.  Yes,  colonel. 

Ferd.  Next  from  the  Queen — who,  we  hear,  was  witness  to  the  con- 
tract, and  lionored  the  ceremony  with  her  presence. 

Raf.  Oh,  she  did  !  Upon  my  word,  I  am  very  much  obliged  to  her 
majesty!  [Aside]  Curse  me  if  I  was  there  myself! 

Ferd.  Sir,  we  approve  your  choice,  and  lionceforth  will  attach  you 
to  onr  person.  A  suite  of  apartments  shall  be  assigned  you  and  your 
lady  in  the  palace. 

Raf.  Oh,  your  majestj^ — I  cannot  express  my  thanks  to — [Aside.] — ■■ 
Asmodeus  !  [Kneels,  and  kisses  the  King's  hand.  The  King  and 
Atte:»dants  exit  into  apai-tments,  R.  h.  Rafael  tioio  seems  com- 
pletehj  beside  himself]  I'm  married — I'm  married — there  can't  be  a 
doubt  of  it !  The  King  says  I  am — the  Queen  sjiys  she  was  present  at 
the  ceremoriy  and  Asmodeus  knows  it !  Oh,  I'm  the  hajjpiest  dog  in 
the  world — and  she's  the  most  beautiful  little  devil  in  the  world ! 

Well,  as  I'm  married,  I'll  go  and  seek  for  my  wife 

[Rafael  is  running  off. 

Carlo.  I  want  you 

Raf.  What  for'l 

Carlo.  Where  are  you  going  to  1 

Raf.  To  look  for  my  wife,  to  be  sure.    [lie  is  running  off  again. 
Carlo.  [Stamping  his  foot.]  Stay,  I  say  !  ^Ij' share  ! 

Raf.  Hey  !  what '!  I'll  see  you My  wife's  my  wife  ! 


31  ASMODKtJS. 

Var.  That  s  right,  my  boy.     Don't  halve  her— don't  halve  her ! 

Carlo.  [Laughing.  Aside.]  Now  then  to  see  if  all  is  prepared. 
Remember  our  comiiact.  I  got  her  for  you — half  of  everything — ab- 
solutely everything — my  share  ! 

Enter  Casilda. 

Casi.  [To  Carlo.]  The  Queen  desires  j'our  immediate  presence  in 
her  private  apartment. 

Carlo.  I  attend  her  majesty.  [T'oCasilpa.]  Remember  my  instruc- 
tions. [To  Rafael.]  Remember [Exit  Carlo,  a  la  Viable. 

Rnf.  [  Walking  about.]  This  is  too  much — I  can't  stand  it !  She 
shall  be  mine — mine  alone!  She's  my  wife,  and  who  shall  deny  me  1 
I  won't  share  her  with  anybody  ! 

Var.  Well,  my  dear  boy.  I  wish  you  well  out  of  it.  I  advised  you 
not — but  you  know  you  would  have  her.  If  you  won't  let  him  have 
his  share,  whv  then,  you  know,  you  must  prove  yourself  a  match  for 
the  Devil  !      '  [Exit. 

Raf.  No,  no— I'll  put  a  stop  to  this — it's  unbearable!  I'll  dissolve 
partiiershi[) !  Tliere  .'ihe  is — [Looking  round.]  — he's  not  here  now — 
the  present  moment's  mine,  at  any  rate.     Oh,  my  dear  Casilda! 

Caai.  Rafael !  Do  you  love  me  1 

Raf.  More  than  ever,  dearest ;  and  since  the  present  moment  is 
ours,  why  should  we  not  enjoy  it  ? 

Casi.  [Looking  on  the  other  side.]  Who  was  that  spoke  1 

Raf.  No  one,  dearest — there  is  no  one  here  but  ourselves. 

[Kisses  her  cheek. 

Cast.  Oh,  but  I'm  sure  some  one  spoke,  and  repeated  your  words. 
Tiiere — and  somebody  kissed  my  other  cheek,  just  as  you  kissed  me 
on  this  side. 

Raf.  The  devil  thev  did  !  [He  takes  her  hand,  and  Jcisses  it. 

Casi.  [Extending  the  other,  as  though  some  one  had  kissed  that.] 
How  do  you  manas:e  to  kiss  both  hands  at  cnce  7 

Raf.  [Aside.]  It  must  be  tiiat  little  devil,  Asmodeus,  claiming  his 
share!  Yet  I  don't  see  him  anywhere.  [Places  his  arm  round  her 
jvaist.]  Come,  dearest,  let  us  forget  all  but  the  rapture  of  the  present 
moment. 

Casi.  Oh — oh  !  Some  one  has  got  another  arm  round  my  waist  on 
this  side. 

Raf  Oh,  it's  him — it's  that  infernal  little  devil — it's  Asmodeus ! 
[Releases  CxsihTt A — darws  his  sivord.]  Where  are  youl  Show  your- 
self—I  know  you  are  here [Fighting  about  the  stage  ivith  sword.] 

and  I'll  find  you.     I'll  dissolve  partnership  !  I'll  see  you  damned  be- 
fore I'll  share  her  with  you,  although  you  are  the  devil ! 
Enter  King  and  Attexdaiits. 

Ferd.  What  is  the  meaning  of  this  noise  1 

Casi.  [Aside  to  Uavakl.  I  Ah!  Silence,  Rafael,  or  we  are  all  lost ' 

Raf.  No.  I  am  deteiniined  to  break  with  him — ifs  carrying  the 
partnership  rather  too  far.  He  won't  give  up  his  half  and  I  won't 
give  up  mine.  Your  majesty,  I  am  tormented  by  a  liend,  who  de- 
clares I  am  married — yet  he  claims  my  wife,  and — i — 


32  ASMODEUS.  ^^ 

Ferd.  How,  sir!  What  is  tlie  meaiiino;  of  this  1  Are  you  not  mar- 
ried, then  1 

Raf.  Not  that  I  am  aware  of,  3-our  majesty. 

Ferd.  How's  this!  The  Queen  too — and  Carlo?  Deceived  on  all 
sides — my  aiUliority  disputed — my  power  abused!  \To  Attendant.] 
Go  summon  the  Queen  instantly. 

Enter  Queex,  Carlo,  Gil  Vargos,  and  Attendants. 
Now,  madam,  what  is  the  meauins  of  this  1     We  have  been  deceived 
it  should  seem,  and  you  are  in  the  plot  against  us. 

Isa.  Carlo.  exi)Iain 

Carlo.  [Advawing  and  bowing.^  You  are  indeed  deceived,  sire,  but 
not  by  your  Queen.     She  is  true  and  royal — the  traitor  is  there! 

[Pointing  to  the  Grand  Inquisitor. 

A)it.  Insolent  boy  I  you  sliall  lejient  this. 

Ferd.  Silence  !     What  ])ro<)f  have  you  ? 

Carlo.  'Tis  here,  sir.  These  f)a])eis — dispatches  received  this  very 
nisht  by  Fraz  Antonio — who  was  secretly  leagued  with  the  Court  of 
Turin  to  separate  your  majesty  from  your  true  and  faitliful  Queen,  and 
afterwards  induce  you  to  form  an  alliance  with  the  princess  of  Sardinia. 

Ferd.  [Tahing  jicipers  and  reading.  To  Fraz  Antonio.]  Traitor! 
but  you  shall  feel  my  venseance.  Tremble — for  you  shall  find  the 
Kinu  of  Spain  knows  how  to  punish  traitois,  as  well  as  reward  his 
faithful  servants.  [7'o  Carlo.]  We  took  you  for  our  minstrel,  butyou 
have  proved  our  best  counselor. 

Carlo.  Alas,  sire!  I  have  now  no  heart  for  minstrelsy. 

Ferd.  ]\ly  poor  boy — have  you,  too,  ypvii;  sorrows  1    What  are  they  1 

Carlo.  I  have  a  sister,  sire,  whom  a  great  lord  would  seduce. 

Ferd.  His  name  1 

Carlo.  He  is  too  powerful  even  for  your  majesty  to  punish. 

Ferd.  Not  so.  Were  he  tlie  greatest  in  our  kingdom,  I  swear  hei 
shall  pay  obedience  to  our  laws      His  name  I  say 

Carlo.  [Signs  to  the  King  who  motions  all  to  retire  hack — he  comes 
forward  with  Carlo.]  Ferdinand  King  of  Spain  ! 

Ferd.  Ah — that  young  girl!  Why  have  I  been  deceived!  The 
Queen,  too — you  have  told  her  all 

Carlo.  No,  sire — your  secret's  safe.  My  sister  loves  Don  Rafael 
D  EsiuneiTjo — he  loves  her — consent  to  their  immediate  marriage,  and 
I  am  dumb  for  ever. 

Ferd.  It  shall  be  done  ;  and  I  confirm  them  in  their  titles. 

Carlo.  Then  all  will  be  well.  [To  Casilda.]  i\Iy  ]>ledge  to  you, 
dear  si.ster,  I  have  fulfilled.  [To  the  King.]  For  the  future,  be  con- 
tent whilst  virtuous  love  adorns  your  home.  [/"yllAFAEL.]  Act  al- 
ways as  bravely  as  you  have  hitherto  dqne,  and  you  will  have  no  need 
of  the  devil's  nssistance. 

Raf.  I  thank  him,  notwithstanding;  and  if  our  kind  friends  will 
pardon  all  his  tricks,  and  srant  us  their  applause  nothing  will  be  want- 
ing to  com]>letp  our  liappii  ess,  but 

Carlo.  [In  attitude]  My  sha;e  ! 

THE    END. 


A  M 


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4  007       UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
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